YOUNG children and parents have been left devastated after finding that toddler and baby swings at a town’s two main parks have been wrecked.

Vandals burnt out the popular play equipment aimed at under-threes at Blackburn’s Corporation Park, while those at the its Witton equivalent have been vandalised.

The people responsible have been branded ‘senseless, selfish and callous’ by community leaders.

The bucket swings for tiny children have been destroyed, yet the neighbouring ones for older youngsters are untouched.

Council bosses said replacements costing several hundred pounds will be installed next week.

Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Borough environment boss, said: “These are senseless and selfish acts of vandalism and have left children and families upset and unable to use their favourite play areas.

“The council will replace the swings but money that could be spent on improving our parks for everyone has to be used to repair the damage caused by a small minority.

“Repairing and replacing play equipment is very expensive and it is sad that we have to deal with these kinds of situations carried out by absolutely thoughtless and cruel vandals.”

Sgt Graham Marshall said: “These incidents are being looked into by the community beat manager PC Ahmed Desai.

“These are callous acts, particularly during the summer when children and families are being deprived of the opportunity to use this play equipment.

“Anyone with any information should contact PC Desai on 01254 505679.”

Cllr Mike Lee, Witton Park’s local Tory representative, said: “What are these idiots thinking about depriving parents and young children of their family fun time in the summer sun?”

Liberal Democrat councillor Roy Davies, who has seen similar vandalism to the play area at Olive Lane Park in his Sudell ward, said: “We need security cameras and other equipment to keep older children and teenagers occupied in our parks.”