VANDALS who spray painted and flipped over a Nativity scene in Oswaldtwistle have been branded ‘idiots’.

The word ‘Gav’ was sprayed in red across the front of the wooden manger before it was overturned, scattering the ornamental figurines inside it at some point on Tuesday night or yesterday morning.

Store manager Harprit Singh said: “I think it’s pathetic. Have kids got nothing better to do than wreck stuff?”

It is hoped a camera outside the shop, which overlooks the Nativity crib in  Jubilee Gardens will have caught the yobs on film.

Mark Pemberton, owner of HomeTone, said: “Kids don’t really hang around there in the winter because it’s cold, but in the summer it can be bad. 

"The police try and shift them on but there can be as many as 30 or 40.”

Passer-by Carol Done said: “It was nice here on Tuesday because I saw it. What a shame.”

The incident was the second act of vandalism to Christmas decorations in Hyndburn in just four days.

On Friday night, Christmas tree lights in Parker Street, Rishton, were damaged after cables were ripped out.

Coun Peter Britcliffe said: “There has been some minor vandalism in the past but nothing like this. This is an absolute disgrace.

"I only hope that a CCTV camera across the way was working and there are some good images. The perpetrators of this vile act should be dealt with severely.”