'Cowardly' hospice attack probed

Little Bridge House was the first children's hospice in the South West

Police are mounting extra patrols at a Devon children's hospice after what is being called "cowardly" vandalism in the grounds.

Officers say young people have been going on to the site of Little Bridge House in Barnstaple and a lighting bollard has been smashed.

They say the intruders are affecting the welfare of very sick children at the hospice and their families.

Police are warning action will be taken against people found in the grounds.

The hospice has been running for 13 years. It offers respite, emergency and bereavement care for children with life limiting, or life threatening conditions, and their families.

Matter of urgency

Local neighbourhood beat manager Pc Terry Hodgson said: "We are committed to identifying those responsible for this cowardly damage to a facility that brings so much pride and inspiration to the community.

"I am confident that someone will have knowledge of the culprits and I would urge anyone with information to contact me as a matter of urgency."

Little Bridge House, the first children's hospice in the South West, opened in 1995.

It was founded by Jill and Eddie Farwell after two of their children died from a rare degenerative disease.