Staff at a nursery, which has already had animals stolen, have been left reeling by the latest attack in which yobs tried to set fire to its outdoor canopy after dousing it in petrol.

Mr Noah’s Nursery School moved to Potter’s Lane in Hawkhurst a year ago from its Benenden base of 25 years and since then incidents have escalated.

On Sunday its director Peter Michell arrived to find someone had tried to set fire to part of the children's outdoor seating area, having stolen petrol which had been locked in a scullery.

Cups and plates were strewn across the undergrowth, sheds had been ransacked and cleaning chemicals thrown everywhere.

Mr Michell said: “The most concerning element is they used petrol. We could have lost the ancient woodlands which would have been tragic.”

Mr Michell, who was part of the team who built the site from the ground up, says he was 'gutted' to see the damage.

He added: "We have an extreme weather resort and it suffered damage which will be difficult to repair because they attempted to get in it by yanking the side and breaking the timbers.

"I feel that it's very unfortunate there's no respect for an environment that has been created for young children, the most vulnerable in our society

"I'm thankful the children are on holiday at the moment so did not arrive on Monday morning to see it."

He added: "It might have only taken a few days to clean up but it's pretty gutting when it's something you have put your heart and soul into building and people think they can just go along and trash it."

Mr Noah's started in 1995 and became a community interest company last year. It provides outdoor lessons for children to learn through exploration and play.

Mr Michell says incidents are becoming so common, he often worries about what he will arrive to each day.

He added: "These incidents of mindless attacks on our site are happening time and again and it's really very annoying.

"We are a not for profit community. It costs more to run the school than we make so the cost of replacing things that get wrecked by vandals can be devastating."

Mr Michell says he hopes neighbours will be vigilant but most importantly that parents of young people who might do such things educate them about the nursery and the work they provide.

A spokesperson from Kent Police says officers are investigating.

They added: "It is reported plates and a candle were stolen between 10am and 8pm on Sunday.

"Damage was also caused inside the premises and officers are urging anyone with information that may assist the investigation to call Kent Police on 01622 604, quoting crime reference 46/154803/21."

You can also contact Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or by filling in the online report form.

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