CHILDREN at Boscastle Pre-School have been left saddened after some of their play equipment was damaged and thrown in the river.

The pre-school uses an area near the church for a vegetable garden and play area. There is a mud kitchen and the children are able to use the rope swing and paddle in the river.

But some of the equipment, including a Wendy House, was dragged into the river and destroyed. The equipment has been valued at approximately £700.

Camelford Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them. They believe it may be connected to damage caused inside the church in Fore Street.

It is thought the damage took place on Tuesday, July 14.

Three fire extinguishers were set off in the church, and police said it took volunteers three days to clear the mess.

The pre-school is appealing to anyone who may have some spare play equipment to contact them on 01840 250760.

PCSO Terry Groves said: “I think it is despicable. Three powder fire extinguishers were set off, which covered the gents’ and ladies’ toilets and upstairs area. It took two or three days with a lot of people to clean it up. Obviously they are disgusted with it.

“We believe that whoever carried out the damage to the pre-school equipment also damaged the church. The pre-school Wendy House was dragged to the end of the river. Other smaller play items went in the river.

“The pre-school operates all summer and they had to let the children know their equipment is all gone.”

If anyone has any information relating to the damage, please contact 101 requesting to speak to PCSO Groves or post on the Camelford Police Facebook page with any information.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.