CALLOUS scrap metal thieves have stolen a shed and play equipment from a toddler group.

They struck at the Little Lambs group in Deane, based at the Deane Church Centre in Junction Road and made off with a 7ft by 4ft £180 aluminium shed, used to store toys, and a tricycle. They took apart the shed and packed it into a vehicle before driving away.

Devastated staff also found outdoor toys including a slide and tree house damaged and thrown across the lawn.

Group leader Melanie Higson said: “This is such a shame — somebody has just helped themselves. We want our toys to be kept somewhere dry and safe so they will be nice for the children to play with next year. I’m surprised they didn’t take the slide as well.

“We cater for babies, toddlers and under-threes, for the years before they go to school. It is a lovely group and centre but unfortunately someone has The facility, across the road from Deane Parish Church, is used throughout the week by various community groups.

Lee Higson, a church volunteer and husband of the group leader, said: “They must have come in the night and crushed it up and put it on the back of a truck.

“The shed was used to keep outdoor toys, including a slide and a tree house. The little ones also used it as a play house when the toys were out on the lawn.

“It is unbelievable, you just never think something like this could be stolen. They even took a metal tricycle.

“Next time we will get a wooden shed instead I think.

“It cost about £180, which came out of the toddler group’s funds. We only charge families 50p per week so it will be a big chunk to replace this.”

The thieves had scaled the six foot garden wall to steal the shed, also used as a playhouse, at some point between 8pm on October 19 and 9am the next day.

Police believe they broke down the aluminium shed before removing it and a tricycle and escaping in a nearby vehicle.

The shed had been bought from B&Q by Little Lambs, which has about 20 families as members and relies on donations and the modest 50p-a-week membership fee to operate.

The centre is not protected by CCTV cameras but police said their enquiries are ongoing, with no arrests made so far.

A police spokesman said: “It is believed that the shed was taken apart before being removed and that a vehicle was used to remove it.

“They have climbed over the fence to access the yard.

“Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made so far.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 8565619 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.