VANDALS have smashed the heads off all the nativity figures at the Christmas crib in Oswaldtwistle only days after it went up.

And in another senseless act of desecration tomato sauce was poured over the crib in Accrington town centre.

Hyndburn Council's director of operations Allan Hodge, whose department has had to repair and clean up after the wreckers, branded the damage as "mindless vandalism".

At the Oswaldtwistle crib, near the Cenotaph, yobs ripped off the roof before breaking the figurines.

Mr Hodge said: "We have repaired the crib and done our best with the figurines by literally sticking the heads back on.

"But you can't stick a head back on without a join and unfortunately they are not in pristine condition.

"While in situ they should be all right but we will have to replace them next year at a cost of several hundred pounds."

Councillor Bill Goldsmith blasted the attack as disgraceful and despicable.

He added: "It's a shame. A lot of children and elderly people who walk past there get immense pleasure from it."

The works department have also had to power wash the crib in Accrington town centre to clean off tomato sauce smeared over it at the weekend.

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