MINDLESS vandals are putting children's lives at risk and making life a misery for residents of a Worcester parish.

Groups of teenagers and young adults are congregating at Norton Parish Hall, in Littleworth for drink-fuelled rampages, smashing bottles, damaging play equipment and destroying a pre-school's gardening project.

In the last 10 days, the arm of a mini roundabout has been broken and bolts on other play equipment loosened and undone.

On Thursday night they destroyed planting pots, being looked after by youngsters from Norton Pre School, smashed glass and dumped litter all over the site.

Chairman of Norton Juxta Kempsey Parish Council, Michael Reeves has hit out at the culprits after the latest in series of late-night incidents thr-oughout the summer.

"I think that they leave the play equipment in an unsafe condition because they want to see the kids flying off," he said.

"It's totally irresponsible behaviour. They have no social responsibility and do not think of the consequences."

He said that the cuplrits are teenagers and young adults who congregate at the site in cars and on motorbikes.

"It think a lot of it is alcohol-fuelled. They bring boxes of wine and takeaways up here and leave the mess behind," added the 64-year-old.

"When parents, children and parishioners see this sort of destruction they get very upset."

A spokesman for Worcester Police said: "These appear to be mindless acts of vandalism with absolutely no thought for what could be serious consequences for unsuspecting youngsters."

Anyone with any information about the latest incident, between 11pm on Thursday and 8.30am Friday, or any other act of destruction can contact the police on 08457 444888, quoting 81S/150905.