Two youths identified after 'mindless' vandals break into Lytham primary school and start fire in nearby woods

Fire crews from Lytham St Annes were called to reports of a fire in some woodlands next to a primary school on Green Drive at around 7.22am on Friday, April 24.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the school had been broken into and the children's chickens had been released.

The vandals then went on to set fire to nearby trees in an act which has been branded as "mindless" and "selfish" by fire crews.

A spokesperson for Lytham Fire Station said: "Local primary school had been broken into and children’s chickens stolen.

"Mindless, selfish vandalism finished off by setting fire in woods.

"Left in care of Fylde Police. Local community please be vigilant."

Crews were at the scene for approximately 40 minutes, and the chickens have reportedly been found.

A joint investigation alongside Lancashire Police was launched to find the culprits, and officers have confirmed two youths have been identified in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We’ve identified two youths and enquiries are on-going."

If you see a crime happening, contact police immediately by calling 999 to report it.

If it's a crime that has already happened and no one is in immediate danger, or you know something about a crime that may help police, call 101.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 11 or via their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/