VANDALS who smashed windows at Blackburn’s Thwaites Empire Theatre could have seriously hurt or even killed youngsters inside, it has been claimed.

Five windows at the Aqueduct Road theatre were broken by handcrafted metal ball bearings believed to have been fired from a powerful slingshot.

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One of them was described as being the same size of a Malteser and was found 20 feet across a dance studio used by children as young as five during the week.

It was fired at such speed that it punched a hole through double-glazing and wire mesh at some point on Sunday evening.

The theatre’s chairman of 17 years, Michael Berry, slammed the ‘mindless vandals’ and said volunteers were counting the cost of replacing the seven-by-four feet long windows, which all front onto Aqueduct Road.

He said: “This was done by people who don’t realise the consequences of their actions .

“It’s such a serious matter when you think about it. The window that worries me most is the one to the dance studio where children go every day.

“The glass was shattered on the other side of the studio.

“It could have taken an eye out or killed somebody.”

Staff at the venue, which opened in October 2002, realised two windows were broken on Monday morning.

The vandalism was reported to police, who sent a letter saying an interview with an officer would not help catch anybody.

Mr Berry said he contacted police again after the building was properly scrutinised on Wednesday and the full extent of the damage was revealed.

He said he was told the matter was handed to the neighbourhood policing team, but was not satisfied with the response.

He added: “I would have been happier if the police’s response was quicker.

“We haven’t actually seen a police officer .”

Sling slots capable of killing wild animals can be bought over the internet for as little as £32 and are not illegal to carry, police said.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “This incident is being investigated by the local policing team.”

Ewood councillor for Labour, Jamie Groves, said: “This behaviour is unacceptable, especially when there’s children in danger.”