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Manning's and Thurston Fun Fair leaves Park Wood after caravan attack

A summer fun fair in Maidstone has packed up after caravans were attacked last night.

Manning's and Thurston's Family Fun Fair has been a firm fixture in Bicknor Road, Park Wood, for around eight years.

But hours after workers turned up yesterday (Sunday), caravans were attacked and a window to a toddler's bedroom was smashed.

Land off Bicknor Road, Park Wood, where caravans were attacked on Sunday (11667091)
Land off Bicknor Road, Park Wood, where caravans were attacked on Sunday (11667091)

Co-organiser John Thurston said: "We set up in other places outside pubs and night clubs, but we've never had anything like this before.

"A few of the staff were going to move on to another fair and leave their wives and children here for a couple of days before the weekend.

"Now it doesn't feel safe."

The fun fair had arrived on Sunday, ready to spend the week ahead setting up fairground rides in time for this coming weekend.

Hours later, families in the fair were targeted while they slept.

Organisers say a lump of wood was thrown through the window of a two-year-old girl's room in one of the caravans.

Mr Thurston added: "It is sad, we were trying to cut prices this year so we could attract more families.

"Now some of the families don't feel safe, so we're not going to stick around.

"We made sure to park our caravans a bit out of the way, this doesn't seem like it was someone who was just walking past.

"We set up in other places outside pubs and night clubs, but we've never had anything like this before..." John Thurston

"I was sleeping but some of the families said it looked like there might have been six or so lads aged 15 or 16.

"It seems quite extreme to do this to us."

Manning's and Thurston's is expected to set up in Dover and Folkestone later this month.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating a report of damage at Park Wood, Maidstone.

"Kent Police was called at around 11.50pm on Sunday regarding damage to a window of a caravan parked near Bicknor Road.

"Anyone with any information regarding the incident is asked to call the appeal line on 01622 604100 quoting reference 2-1804."

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.

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