VANDALS have trashed two ‘otters’ within days of the metre-high models being placed on Farnham’s new Otter Wey Trail - including one designed by children at Badshot Lea Infants School.

The school’s ‘Bruce Lea’ otter, sponsored by The Hedgehogs, was ripped off its plinth in Bishop’s Meadow sometime over the weekend and tossed into the River Wey.

It was later recovered from the river by a member of the public and reported to the police, but is believed to be beyond repair. A replacement otter has been ordered for the school to paint instead.

A second otter, sponsored by the South Street Trust and designed by Surrey Choices, was vandalised last Saturday afternoon in Victoria Garden - but this time the culprits were caught in the act by Farnham Town Council’s CCTV system.

Footage seen by the Herald clearly shows the young vandals - three boys and a girl - tearing the otter off its plinth and jumping on it, splitting it in half.

The faces of those responsible for the damage was also clearly captured, and the footage is being shared with the police and local secondary schools in an attempt to identify the young tearaways and bring them to justice.

Condemning their actions, town mayor Mike Hodge said: “This was a despicable act and it deeply saddens me that there are people out there who could do this. Everyone involved in this very worthwhile community project has put a huge amount of time and effort into decorating the otters and preparing them for display. For someone to come along and destroy that without a second thought is heartbreaking and unforgivable.”

It comes just days after an impressive array of 44 otters, sponsored and designed by numerous schools, community organisations and businesses, were set on plinths along an eight kilometre trail through Farnham to celebrate the return of otters to the River Wey.

It is hoped the otters will remain in place throughout May and June, culminating in a final ‘romp’ at Farnham Carnival on June 30 before an auction in aid of the mayor’s chosen charities The Woodlarks Centre and Brightwells Gostrey Centre at Farnham Castle on July 9.

Following last weekend’s desecration, co-organisers the Farnham Lions are exploring more secure locations for the remaining otters displayed outdoors, ahead of printing an updated trail map.

Gemma Ball, headteacher at Badshot Lea Infants School, said: “We’re not going to be defeated. They’ve ordered us another one and they’re going to bring the poorly otter back here, bandage him up and mend him too. We’re adamant that we’re not going to be beaten by these idiots!”

Appealing for help tracking down the vandals, Keith Harris of the Lions added: “Can you help in our quest to identify and speak to these young people - we are not on a witch hunt but would very much like to identify them so that the authorities can perhaps help them.”

Anyone with information regarding the vandalism is asked to call Farnham Town Council on 01252 712667 or email town clerk Iain Lynch at [email protected].