Vandals have ransacked a Dundee nursery, potentially causing thousands pounds worth of damage.
The culprits made their way into Rugrats Nursery’s garden on Haddington Gardens, leaving a path of “destruction” in their wake.
While they did not get into the building itself, the vandals did destroy some fencing and play equipment, as well as leaving toys and paper littered on the ground.
Some sheds were also broken into and damaged and flowers planted by the children were uprooted.
A clean-up operation began first thing on Monday morning, when staff turned up to open the nursery and came across the debris.
The nursery managed to open as normal but parts of the garden will remain closed until everything is repaired.
Nursery manager Danielle Lee said staff and parents were “shocked” by the trail of destruction left by those responsible.
She said: “Things like this spoil it for the children and staff who have worked hard to create a fun, exciting and challenging space and for their hard work to be destroyed is sickening.
“I’d estimate the cost of repairing everything could run into thousands of pounds.
“We have got two gardens so there is still an area for the children to play outside, at least. We have done risk assessments to make sure.
“The saddest thing is for the things that can’t be replaced. The damage will be covered by us, but there is a lot of items that have been donated by parents or local businesses. They have some sentimental value to them that can’t be replaced easily.
“Adults understand that these things happen, but the children don’t always get that.
“I know it’s a cliche, but I would hope whoever did this would think of the children — that’s what we’re here for.
“I don’t know if we’ll ever get to the bottom of this but we have to pull our socks up and get on with it.”
However, one positive from the ordeal is the reaction from the community, Danielle said.
She added: “We’ve had a lot of nice comments from parents, asking if there is anything they can do to help.”
A police spokesman said: “We are aware of this incident and will be making inquiries.”
