School pupils in Ayr have been left heartbroken after their treasured play hut was destroyed by vandals.
Hoods struck on Sunday night, ripping apart the willow sculpture used by kids at Forehill Primary.
The piece was beautifully created by Girvan sculptor, David Powell, with pupils helping to construct it in their playground.
But it now lies in ruins after a gang of thugs roamed the school grounds at the weekend.
Culprits were caught on CCTV at around 6.30pm on Sunday and seen jumping on the play hut before making off.
Forehill headteacher David Watson told Ayrshire Live: "It's desperately sad for the pupils as this was a very popular piece of their playground.
"It formed part of the eco garden and was a natural structure...really beautiful in its creation and it stood out.
"The children called it the 'Bee Hive' because of its appearance and many would use it for a bit of quiet time.
"Some would go in to read books and it was generally a place where they could let their imagination run wild.
"So for anyone to think that it's funny or acceptable to vandalise it in this way is very upsetting for everyone at the school."
School chiefs say CCTV footage picked up a gang of six youths - three boys and three girls - aged roughly in their early teens on the scene of the crime.
Police are now investigating and anyone with information has been urged to contact either Forehill Primary directly or police on 101.
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