MINDLESS vandals have damaged a scouts' headquarters with "air pistols" before cycling away from the scene.

A scout leader reported two youths on pushbikes firing air pistols at the windows of the 4th Dovercourt Sea Scouts' headquarters, in Barrack Lane, Harwich, last Wednesday. *MARCH 6*

The incident is believed to have taken place during a cub pack meeting at about 6.45pm as it was getting dark outside.

During the meeting two bullet holes were shot through the women's toilet window which faced the United Services Club.

The police were called by a scout leader, but the youths reportedly cycled out of sight.

Alan Baxter, a scout leader, said there were about 14 cubs and four adults in the building when the shots were fired.

He said: "All the young people and leaders were kept safely in the hall until the area was made safe.

"This follows other acts of vandalism the group has had around the headquarters recently, which is costing the group hard fund raised money."

Last November the scouts had to replace a back window of the headquarters which was vandalised by yobs during a similar incident.

Mr Baxter added: "I think the people around here are getting sick of this as it's just mindless vandalism.

"It can happen late at night, but it's happening during the day now too.

"It could have taken someone's eye out if they were in the way of the gun and it is a great concern."

He said the window will have to be replaced and believes it was an air pistol which caused the damage as one bullet went through the double-glazing and the other caused significant damage to the glass.

The scouts are getting a quote for the damage.

An Essex Police spokesman said the details to the incident could not be traced on the website.