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A children's centre in Birkenhead was forced to close for two days after a firework was pushed through the entrance of the centre.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the Sensory Shack, on Fender Way in Beechwood, was targeted with a firework last week.
Staff at the centre discovered a scorch mark and a burnt firework inside the building when they arrived for work, although nobody was at the centre when the attack happened.
Managing director Eleanor Belton, 24, said the incident could have had "devastating consequences" if children had been at the centre. Ms. Belton took over the children's centre in 2025 when it was at risk of closure.
The Sensory Shack supports a huge number of families across the Wirral and their children with additional needs and disabilities. They have small group sessions to support children who aren't currently in higher education.
Eleanor said the centre has had similar incidents before. They've had young people climbing on the roof and graffiti on the centre's shutters.
Firefighters were also called recently when a nearby football cage was on fire near the premises.
However, the managing director said this incident was more serious because of how dangerous it could've been for the children.
Security is tight at The Sensory Shack, with a padlocked front gate, a roller shutter, and a locked entrance, for the children's safety.
"The kids would have had to jump over the gate, then kind of jimmy up the roller shutter, and then push it through.
"So it would have taken quite a lot of effort, which is why it's gone beyond anything that's happened before. It was a stroke of luck that we were closed, and there were no kids on site," Elenaor explained.
She added: "Some of our kids are really noise-sensitive anyway, so any sort of noise makes them feel really distressed. But if they were in the building, they wouldn't have the understanding to obviously stay back away from the firework. What might seem like a joke could actually have a really devastating impact."
The charity's place in Birkenhead is crucial, as it recently expanded into another unit due to an increased demand for services.
Eleanor said the organisation had become a "lifeline" for families who struggle to access other services.
"We don't just have an endless pot of money to replace things. Thankfully, it was just the carpet tiles that were affected. But it could have been far worse. It would have a devastating impact on so many families, and that's what is such a worry for us."
The charity has made the decision to close on Mischief Night and November 5 as a result of the incident. If you're not familiar, Mischief Night is an annual event held on October 30 where kids and teenagers get up to 'mischief', which usually includes anti-social behaviour, pranks, and sometimes, vandalism. It's mainly associated with Liverpool, but also extends into the Wirral.
Eleanor said: "It's something that we shouldn't really have to do, but we're going to have to."
She said she believed boredom among some young people could be contributing to anti-social behaviour in the area, although she stressed that it did not excuse the incidents.
Merseyside Police is investigating and has appealed for information.
Detective Inspector Andrew West said using a firework in this way was "incredibly reckless" and could have had much more serious consequences.
