A DEVASTATED mum has spoken of her dismay after thieves trashed a garden created in memory of her son who died while swimming in a reservoir.

Thieves targeted the James Goodship Memorial Garden at Colne Citadel over the weekend pulling out plants, dumping litter and stealing ornaments.

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The garden in memory of teenager James was only opened in March and his mum Mel said the whole community has been left shocked and angered by what has happened.

“We’re absolutely devastated. A lot of people have put a lot of time and effort into making it a nice place to come and pay their respects,” she said.

“Seeing it in the state we found it on Sunday – I can’t believe that someone would go to the lengths they have done to trash what is supposed to be a place where people can go to remember James and reflect on his life. It’s devastating that someone come stoop that low.”

As well as vandalising the site, thieves also stole four sets of hanging solar lights - two in a lady bird shape, one butterfly and one owl shape - a 12ins glass stone buddha, and two 12ins x 6insstone plaques.

And although most of the items were recovered buried nearby, Mrs Goodship said they will not be put back in the garden until the perpetrators are caught.

“That is because we think they’ll come and take them again,” she added.

Pendle police yesterday said they had no suspects in connection with the theft, but urged anyone with information to contact them via 101.

Sgt Tim Hitchen said: “We’re appealing for anyone who may have witnessed or knows anything about this theft and damage to contact us. This is a memorial to a young man who lost his life in tragic circumstances.

“It’s tragic that this memorial has been damaged and items of sentimental value stolen and we are doing everything we can to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Former Park High School pupil James, 17, died on June 22 last year after getting into trouble at Lake Burwain, Foulridge, while riding with friends on a makeshift wooden raft in June 2014.

Since James’ death his parents have set up a campaign to warn teenagers about the dangers of swimming in open waters and have also pushed for ropes, lifebuoys and lifejackets to be installed at Pendle Lake.

Following the death of the apprentice plumber, the community rallied together to collect £9,500 to enable his family to buy a headstone and create the memorial garden.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “It’s absolutely disgusting. It beggars belief that anyone could do this to a memorial to such a tragic incident to a young lad. It’s really shocking and disgusting, and I really do hope the police do catch whoever did this as soon as possible.”