A SERIES of fires have caused considerable damage to a school grounds in Blackburn.

Police said there have been several incidents of criminal damage to fences and paths around Brookhouse Primary School and football pitches.

MORE TOP STORIES:

They said the damage is putting pupils, nearby residents and staff at risk and resulting in repair costs running into thousands of pounds.

Police and the council have said continued anti-social behaviour could lead what is known locally as the ‘upper football pitch’ being closed.

The offences have happened over the last two months, police said.

A police spokesman said they had reports of four youths starting a fire on Thursday, January 5, and three youths on Friday, January 6.

He said the footpath was damaged causing around £2,000 of damage.

In a letter to parents headteacher Debbie Withey said: “Please be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of your child, particularly in the evenings.

“We are currently liaising with the police so that the culprits can be found and prosecuted.”

Cllr Iftakhar Hussain, who represents the Bastwell ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The actions of a small minority are causing danger and expensive damage.

“The football pitch area is used by hundreds of youngsters and almost all of them use it responsibility.

“It’s not those playing football who are doing this but others who hang around the area.

“The pitch has been established for a number of years and it was a battle to get it built.

“The area before then was derelict and had been used for dumping rubbish.

“Nobody wants the pitch to have to be closed by the council and police but unless this terrible behaviour stops then it might have to be considered as safety has to come first.”

Anyone with information has been asked by officers asked to call the neighbourhood policing team on 101 or 01254 353576.