CCTV images of four teenage boys suspected of bricking the windows of an Islamic school and smashing up an Audi A6 parked on the premises have been released by police.

The incidents, which have been described as ‘mindless vandalism’ by police, happened at Markazul Uloom in Highercroft, Blackburn, and are said to have caused thousands of pounds of damage.

The incidents at the Park Lee Road school took place at 8pm on both May 11 and May 20.

Police said the suspects are described as four white males, aged around 14 to 16-year-old, of slim builds and wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and tops. All four teenagers were wearing face coverings during the incidents.

No arrests have been made and police are encouraging any witnesses or anybody who recognises the teenagers to come forward.

PC Mohammed Bhai said: “There have been two incidents over the past two weeks whereby a gang of four young lads, believed to be from Highercroft, have been trespassing onto the Islamic school’s land and have completely smashed a vehicle to pieces and smashed countless windows, some of which were newly installed by throwing bricks at the vehicle and the windows. This mindless vandalism will cost the Islamic School thousands of pounds to repair.

“I am appealing to residents of the Highercroft area to help me identify the suspects so I can pursue a criminal investigation into the matter.”

Blackburn South East ward Cllr Jim Shorrock said: “There are so many issues that cause me a great deal of concern here. There is the potential spreading of Covid-19 by children out of their homes for a non-essential reason. What are these children doing out? Do their parents know they’re out? Are they all from the same household or are they mixing with people from other households? Where is the parental responsibility and control?

“There is then the issue of anti-social behaviour and the damage caused to the school and the bill they now face because of these selfish acts.

“I fully support police action in this case and would encourage anybody who know who these children are to come forward and tell the police who they are.”

Markazul Uloom were contacted for comment.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0943 of May 20.