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Vandals have destroyed five statues in Stornoway children’s play park in a weekend wrecking spree. One of the art-work pieces made by local youngsters was flung into Bayhead River.

The vandalism of children’s work has sparked outrage in the community.

The brightly coloured life-size figures, taking up informal poses around the tree lined public park, looked so realistic many passerbys mistook them for humans.

The street-art statues were devised by youngsters from the neighbouring Bridge Community Centre at Bayhead.

They constructed them in plaster-of-Paris as part of a Bridge youth club summer art education projected led by local artist Moira Maclean.

They were used in the development initiatives to enhance the park for community use.

Local councillor Keith Dodson is furious at the “upsetting and disgusting behaviour from mindless idiots.”

He has pledged to contribute ward funds to replace the figurines. Bayhead business Nicolson Accountancy is also offering to put up some cash.

Mr Dodson said: “I am writing to the other town councillors to see if they would also contribute.

“The hooligans have kicked these statues beyond repair after the children put in a lot of time and effort. One parent who called me over this was on the verge of tears.”

Police have undertaken inquires over the incident.

A police spokesman said: “It occurred late Friday night or early Saturday morning. We are looking for information from the public.”

Vandals wreck children’s art work              5/9/10

One statue had its arms ripped off and was thrown in the river