HEARTLESS yobs have destroyed a school garden that was looked after by autistic children.

The vandals struck at St Anthony’s Primary, in Johnstone, where they smashed up a shed and stole materials they could burn in a bonfire.

Children were left heartbroken when they discovered their project, which they had been working on for more than three months, was in ruins.

Garden benches and tools were stolen, while wooden planters were destroyed.

Mari Gold, whose 11-year-old autistic son Alexander attends St Anthony’s Primary, told how he has been left devastated by the mindless vandalism.

She told The Gazette: “He put so much effort into the garden. They’ve been working on it pretty much since they started back school in August.

“He can’t believe all his hard work is destroyed and he can’t understand why people would do such a thing.”

St Anthony’s Primary specialises in additional support for pupils who have autism, with smaller classes integrated throughout the school in their inclusive unit

Another parent, Lorraine MacDonald, told how her nine-year-old son Max was saddened by the destruction at the school garden.

She said: “Max is in primary five and is gutted by this. His dad is a keen gardener and he always likes taking part in gardening. 

“He had his name down for the gardening club and was wanting to get in but I don’t know what happens now that its been destroyed.”

It is understood one of the stolen benches from the garden has been returned to the school.

Lorraine added: “Somebody caught someone with the bench and it was brought back by a parent. I think the school has CCTV and they are looking into it.”

Sergeant Barry McNaught, based at Johnstone Police Station, said: “We have received a report from the school yesterday morning at 9.15am, reporting damage to the school garden. We have arranged to meet with the school regarding the matter and look into it from there.”

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