A DARWEN primary school has been hit by a spate of vandalism by young thugs – some of whom were younger than 10.

A playhouse used by reception children at St Peter’s Primary School, in Turncroft Road, was smashed, benches broken and stolen and items taken from a nature garden.

Police said they had identified some of the gang and one child under 10 had admitted to causing some of the damage.

Community beat manager for Marsh House and Whitehall PC Phil Hambley said an investigation was under way.

He said: “We identified four youngsters from CCTV and by speaking to them we have got a little bit more.

“The footage shows four children, two under 10 and two older than 10, close to the damage, but it doesn’t show the damage being done. I have spoken to two of the kids and one of them, who was younger than 10, admitted to it.

“But as he is so young there isn’t much we can do other than put him on youth referral so he stays on our radar.”

PC Hambley said the playhouse damage was done over the bank holiday weekend earlier this month, while damage to benches was done over the nights of May 21 to 23.

He added: “There were a number of young people who went to play on the school grounds but the headteacher said that was no longer allowed.

“It is a shame as it was somewhere for the kids to play that was safe.

“The people who have done this have just spoilt it for everybody else.”

Headteacher Michele Tracey said: “It is a shame. The only people they are hurting are my four and five-year-olds.

“It was used by reception children who are upset, but we have ordered a new one. We won’t be defeated by these people.

“The children involved are not known to us, but they may be known to the police.”

Anyone with information about any of the incidents should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.