MINDLESS vandals have put a fire service vehicle temporarily out of action after they smashed its windscreen.

The fire crew parked the vehicle at the station in Skipton on Sunday evening but when they came to it earlier today they found the damage.

Craven District Station manager Tony Peel said: "We had parked the vehicle 'nose in' when we last used it on Sunday so didn't notice the damage until we went to the vehicle today.

"It could have happened anytime between Sunday tea time and lunchtime today.

"It will cost us about £200 to repair and it will be off the road until it is done, hopefully within the next 24 hours.

"The police have been informed and we are going to see if there is CCTV footage available from Herriots or Morrisons to try and find out who did it."

Mr Peel said firefighters had been to get some equipment from the vehicle today and had not seen the damage straight away.

Martyn Hughes, watch manager at Skipton fire station tweeted: "Disappointingly, someone has found it acceptable to vandalise one of our operational vehicles at #SkiptonFireStation this making it inoperable for potential life saving incidents."

A spokesman for the police said: "North Yorkshire Police are investigating after a marked North Yorkshire Fire Brigade vehicle was damaged in Skipton.

"The incident, which occurred at the station on Broughton Road, was reported to police at around 2pm on Tuesday, June 19.

"The windscreen of the van was smashed and officers are asking anyone with information to contact them on 101.

"If you would prefer to provide information anonymously then the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

"Please quote reference 12180109073 when providing information."