YOUTHS have ripped down new Christmas lights provided to give a Pendle town some festive cheer – just days after they were installed.

Town leaders and police have condemned ‘mindless hooligans’ who have trashed the display around the bus terminus in Earby, which cost £3,200 to bring together.

An appeal has now been made to catch the culprits, who may have struck up to three times this week leaving an eventual repair bill which could total hundreds of pounds.

Councillor Chris Tennant, Earby Town Council chairman, said: “We are absolutely livid; what goes through these young people’s minds?

“This was the first year that the town council has paid for its own festive decorations, after the borough council withdrew support, and this is what happens.

“We thought at first that they may have been damaged by high winds, but the contractors have confirmed they have been ripped out.

“Even if we do end up catching these little hooligans, I don’t know whether they will end up being prosecuted due to their age.

“It is just really frustrating.”

Town councillors have also seen the new public toilets, installed at the rear of their headquarters, damaged by youths.

This led to two youngsters having to atone for their actions through restorative justice work.

Police community support officer Mark Hyde said: “Hundreds of pounds-worth of damage has been caused to the newly-erected Christmas lights, which cost Earby Town Council, and in effect the residents of Earby, around £3,000.

“CCTV footage is being viewed and enquiries are being made to prosecute the offenders.”

Witnesses to any of the incidents can call PCSO Hyde on 07811 417714 or the police non-emergency number 101, quoting log number LC-2015022-0815.