VANDALS slashed and destroyed an inflatable swimming pool bought by a South Yorkshire mum for her son, who has special needs - while she was out fundraising for charity.
Sharon Harrold's son Ryan Bennett, aged 23, was devastated when he heard his pool had been ruined, leaving him unable to enjoy one of his favourite summertime hobbies.
Sharon, one of the organisers on the committee of the Ecclesfield Gala, said the attack must have happened on Sunday while she was out running the dog show at the annual event.
She said when she went outside on Monday morning to dry out the gazebos used at the show, she noticed something was wrong with the pool.
Sharon, of School Road, Wales, near Sheffield, said: "The top bit had deflated and when I got closer I could see there was water spurting out everywhere. There were knife slashes all over it.
"It was obviously a deliberate attack - they must have got into the back garden from the field behind."
She said Ryan was devastated when he found out the news.
Sharon said: "He was crying and very angry. I paid out £80 to get a 15ft pool which was big enough for him as he's 6ft 7ins tall. Now it's ruined. I can't believe what some people are capable of, it's just awful."
A spokesman confirmed police were investigating.
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