YOBS are believed to have targeted a pre-school with fireworks, and caused at least £2,000 worth of damage.

The manager of Little Roo’s Pre School, in Dock Road, Little Thurrock, said she couldn’t believe it when she arrived at work the day following Bonfre night.

She found a scene of devastation with children’s play equipment melted into the ground, including a playhouse, play kitchen, benches, tables and a planting area.

Kay Hooper, 36, says the 20 children who go to the pre-school are upset and have been unable to play outside all week.

She said: “Everything had been melted.

“A neighbour told me there had been a fire after some fireworks had been set off in a nearby church yard and it seems to me people need to take more care when they play with fireworks as I am faced with £2,000 of damage.

“It is the children I feel sorry for as we can’t let them outside due to health and safety reasons so they have been cooped up inside.”

The pre-school, which opened in 2011, is now waiting for insurers to tell them if and when the damage can be repaired.

A police spokesperson said: “We are investigating the incident and want anyone who may have seen anything to contact police on 101.”