A GANG of 60 “mindless thugs” trashed a volunteer group’s shelter, both standing on top of it and breaking in before wrecking their garden tools.

The Friends of Love Leigh Cliffs - who help maintain Leigh Cliffs - were horrified to find their shelter had been targeted on Friday night.

Troublemakers also caused permanent damage, throwing paint on the walls, and trampling all over their once-beautiful flowers.

Sadly, this isn’t the first time the Leigh Cliffs have fell victim to such vandalism, with the word “Satan” also having been previously graffitied over trees in the area.

Craig Watt, 59, from Leigh - a member of the group from the beginning - said: “From what we can tell, we think a group of about 60 were on top of the shelter, in the shelter and around the shelter.

“They have of course done quite a bit of damage, throwing paint around so the walls are now ruined.

“We actually had to try and repair the front with chains where they’ve broken down the actual iron framework. They’ve caused permanent damage which cant be repaired without doing the whole framework.

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“A number of our tools that were in there were also broken, for example shovels and forks, which our members use to do the work. I just kept thinking the damage they could’ve done with these tools.

“They trampled the paint on the floor and all over the rockery in the gardens, as well on the flowers. One of the resident’s hedges even has graffiti painted over it now.”

The group, who are also working to restore the Cliffs to their former glory, is encouraging anyone with information to get in touch.

Mr Watt added: “It was horrendous, we went down there Sunday to open up for our opening morning. The first thing I saw was the paint everywhere.

“It is really sad, and what’s worse is we’ve been sort of waiting for it to happen sooner. You know it’s coming but you’re just hoping it doesn’t, and they wanted to let people know that’s where they are all gathered.

“Whoever did it would have gone home with blue or white paint on their clothes or shoes. Anyone who may have seen anything please do contact us.”