An Aberdeen community was “shocked” last night after an eight-year-old boy was charged with smashing 10 windows at a local primary school.
The police said hundreds of pounds of damage was caused during the vandalism spree at Bramble Brae School in Northfield on Sunday.
The youngster accused of breaking the windows will be reported to the youth justice management unit.
Northfield councillor Jackie Dunbar said the local community would be angered by the incident.
“Cummings Park folk love Bramble Brae school and the whole community will find it shocking that anyone has done this to the school, no matter their age,” she said.
“I think it’s always a shame when the holidays come around and these things happen.”
Fellow local councillor Gordon Graham said: “When kids are that young the parents should be taking more responsibility for their kids action.
“I’m sure the local community will be very unhappy that it has happened.”
Eight is the current age of criminal responsibility in Scotland, compared to 10 in England and 14 in Germany and Italy, although there have been calls to raise it.
Figures from last year showed that children under 16 had committed more than 40,000 offences in Scotland in just two years.
Alex Johnstone, Conservative MSP for the north-east, said: “I’m glad to hear that the police are taking action against the individual at this time.
“It’s always very difficult circumstances when someone as young as that is accused of an offence of that nature.
“Nonetheless, age is not an excuse and eight is old enough to know the difference between right and wrong.”
Chief Inspector Nick Topping last night urged anyone with concerns or suspicions in their community to contact the police.
“Police Scotland is dedicated to keeping people safe and it is not acceptable that buildings which are central to our communities are targeted in this way,” he said.
“The damage will have to be repaired and the cost of this not only affects those who attend the school but the wider community.
“It is disappointing to see this happening in the school holidays and I would ask parents to please ensure you know where your children are.”