TWO young girls who vandalised a pensioner's mobility scooter, leaving it without working brakes, have been read the riot act by police.

People from the town were horrified after it was revealed last week how James Rimmer's scooter was targeted at sheltered accommodation in the Sudellside district of the town.

Mr Rimmer, 67, of Elizabeth House, only became aware of the vandalism when he tried to use the scooter.

The brakes failed and he narrowly avoided colliding with a passing car.

Investigations by Darwen police discovered that two 14-year-old girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were responsible for the damage.

Police believe that when the girls tried to ride the scooter they caused damage to the steering column and brake wiring.

One of the mirrors was also ripped off, along with the front basket.

An eyewitness reported the damage to police and the girls were questioned on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

One of the girls has now been issued with a £30 fixed penalty fine and the other was given a formal reprimand.

James's daughter, Beverley Horridge, 42, of Lightbrown Street, Darwen, said: "Hopefully they have learned their lesson now.

"You expect that kind of behaviour from young boys but is quite disgraceful to think that young girls were responsible for this."

Insp Andrea Bradbury said: "While there does not appear to have been any intention on the part of the young girls to directly sabotage the brakes to the scooter, they have now been made aware of the serious potential conse-quences of their behaviour by police officers.

"Mr Rimmer was extremely lucky not to have been injured as a result of this incident."

Community campaigner Pat Forsyth offered to pay for the cost of the repairs out of prize money she received from her national Respect neighbourhood award.

But Oswaldtwistle-based Millercare have stepped in and provided a temporary scooter, as well as paying for repairs totalling £150 to Mr Rimmer's old machine.

Insp Bradbury added: "I would urge all young people to think very seriously of the effects of their behaviour on others, particularly elderly and vulnerable people.

"It would be useful if local parents and teachers could discuss this incident with youngsters and try to continually get across the message that we need to show respect and care for others."