The criminals struck at the Hodgson Avenue Community Centre, in Werrington, Peterborough, on Tuesday.

Once they had smashed through fence panels in the yard at the centre, they broke a £200 plastic playhouse, bought for a summer holiday club just weeks before.

On Wednesday morning, youngsters arrived at the club expecting to be able to play with the equipment as their school break nears its end, but were upset to find the house in bits.

Mary Ryan, who runs the group for children aged between two and seven years old, said staff would not let vandals ruin the summer club.

She said: "This is the last week of the club, and we have been continuing to operate despite what has happened.

"The children were very upset when they saw what had happened, because they have enjoyed playing in the house, and also they know how new it was."

The house was bought specifically for the club at the start of the summer break just three weeks ago.

Mrs Ryan added: "It is even more annoying because it was bought using funding given to us by Peterborough City Council.

"It is frustrating to see funds like that wasted because of these sort of actions."

Today, councillor John Fox, who represents the Werrington North ward, where the play-scheme is based, branded the vandals "pathetic".

He said: "This is just senseless and mindless vandalism, and it is appalling that something like this can happen.

"It is pathetic that people cannot leave things alone, and I am sure that there are a number of upset children who wanted to use the equipment.

"I am surprised to hear about it, as I have not heard about many other problems like this in the area."

It is hoped that the house will now be replaced in time for the next holiday club to take place later this year.

n Anyone with information about the incident should call Cambridgeshire police on 0845 456 4564, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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