VANDALS have targeted a Hampshire pumpkin farm just days after it opened for the build up to Halloween.

The hooligans struck at the family-run Fordingbridge Pumpkin Pastures, smashing half a dozen pumpkins and ripping the arm of a mannequin dressed as a witch.

The field, just off the A338 Ringwood Road, was opened to visitors for the Halloween season last year - when thieves made off with several items.

Now the pick-your-own site has been hit again, resulting in the installation of a new CCTV system.

Fordingbridge Pumpkin Pastures is run by Dan Burden and his wife Sam.

Writing on social media they said: "We now have cameras down there so if they come back they'll be caught. Very annoying and sad for the kids it's meant for. We will be back on Saturday, all cleaned up."

The field will also be open every day from October 23 until October 31.

Several people have taken to social media to voice their anger and dismay at the hooliganism.

One woman said: "I'm so sad to hear of this mindless vandalism. My grandson has been excitedly telling me all about your pumpkins and how he couldn't wait to get there."

A police spokesman said: "We received a report about damage caused at the site of a pick-your-own pumpkin event. Damage was caused to a mannequin, a Portaloo and some pumpkins."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190368776.