Mindless yobs who smashed glass and emptied trash in a Walmer paddling pool have ignited fury among the community who has brandished them "scum".

The toddler pool, popular with hundreds of families during the summer months, had to be closed for three days in the busy summer holidays for a thorough clean-up to make it safe.

Staff from Your Leisure, who discovered the devastating vandalism at 8.30am on Sunday, have been praised for their quick clean-up by the town's MP Charlie Elphicke and a passer-by who saw the "ugly" mess first hand on Sunday.

Pat Heath, chairman of Walmer Parish Council, said: "What sort of fun can people get from doing something like this."

Mr Elphicke called it a "disgusting crime" and is meeting with Police on Thursday to call for prosecution.

Facebookers quickly responded to our status on Monday, describing the vandals as "scum" and "mindless idiots."

Carolyn Potter said: "When they catch them they should be made to do 64 lengths of the pool on their hands and knees. Then make them clear up the damage."

The pool, on Marine Road by the Sea Scout Hut, is due to open tomorrow morning (Wednesday) weather dependent.

For the full update and the reaction, see this week's Mercury on Thursday.