Ref. 28505-20CHILDREN in Penhill have stolen axes, clawhammers and saws from a community orchard prompting fears there could be a serious accident.

Residents are being urged to contact police if they see youngsters, aged about 10 or 11, with any of the tools.

It is believed the children got the equipment from the storage hut in Penhill Orchard after a break-in during which £1,000 worth of gardening equipment was taken in a raid before Christmas.

A Hayter petrol driven mower, a Stihl strimmer, a Stihl leaf blower and a gas stove were stolen, along with a sign commemorating the opening of the orchard by mayor Derek Benfield in September.

The orchard managers think the children got hold of the tools before they re- secured the hut after the break-in.

Since then residents have reported seeing children running around with a billhook a small scythe and using saws to cut down trees at the nearby Seven Fields Nature Reserve.

Marilyn Beale, 59, secretary of the Penhill Orchard Group, said: "I am worried there could be a serious accident.

"These tools are new, and are very sharp and dangerous.

"Some tools have simply been left in hedges, and I would urge anyone who finds one to return it to us."

Mrs Beale spotted two boys sawing down a tree in Penhill copse, but they ran off before she could speak to them.

In another incident, a boy with a billhook was seen running around near Seven Fields Primary School.

Mrs Beale believes youngsters are hiding the tools in dens they have made in undergrowth on the nature reserve.

Her son Richard, 38, who is also helping to manage the orchard, added: "These tools are designed to rip through wood, so you can imagine what kind of injuries they could cause."

Children at Seven Fields Primary School, which is near the orchard, have been warned not to touch the tools.

Headteacher Andrew Nye said: "We have reminded the children to be sensible, and to tell a responsible adult if they come across any tools."

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said officers were extremely concerned about the reports.

Thieves broke into the shed on December 18 by forcing two locks.

The equipment was not insured, and the volunteers desperately need to replace it.

The orchard of 150 apple trees was planted last year with £7,000 of Lottery cash on disused allotments off Leigh Road.

Volunteers are banking on a bumper harvest this year as the orchard was blessed during an ancient wassail ceremony at the weekend.

Local children will be invited to pick the fruit to encourage them to eat a healthy diet.

Anyone with information about the break-in or about children with dangerous tools should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.