NINE teenagers have been charged with allegedly trashing a Cumnock soft play.

They have been accused of raiding the children’s playhouse just weeks before it was due to go on sale.

Detectives had appealed for information after teens allegedly broke in and destroyed the facility.

It comes after a pensioner claimed she was out of pocket after her soft play was targeted in an alleged vandal raid.

Now police have charged almost ten youngsters between the ages 13 and 16 for their apparent criminal activity at the play area.

Cops claim the property on Kilnholm Place in Cumnock was ‘ransacked and vandalised’ last month.

An investigation will now be launched into the schoolchildren to determine if they are responsible for the alleged damage.

It comes after members of the community came forward and reported the youths after seeing online police appeals.

The softplay had been closed for two years for refurbishments as it underwent a major transformation.

This included a massive £40,000 softplay jungle gym for children as well as a cafe and creche.

Several buyers had been interested in purchasing the property has it headed for auction this month.

But now plans to sell the kids entertainment centre have been put on hold as police enquires continue.

PC Arthur of Cumnock Locality Policing Team said: “Local officers received several reports of break-ins and damage to this property.

“This investigation has identified nine young people as having been responsible.

“It is thanks to information we received from this appeal that this was possible, and I would like to thank the community for their continued support.”

If you are aware of any suspicious activity or those involved in crime please contact your local policing team by calling 101 (Always 999 in an emergency) or by calling Crimestoppers on 08005511 where anonymity can be maintained.