Young boys on rampage

Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Two 11-year-olds went on a rampage last night, smashing 40 graves in a Masterton cemetery before causing $350,000 worth of damage in an alleged arson attack.

Acting sergeant Tony Matheson said the boys damaged headstones, planters and ornaments on 40 graves at the Riverside Cemetery on the city's River Rd.

They then set alight 2000 wheelie bins, a loader and a pile of cardboard at a recycling depot on Nursery Rd in Masterton at about 6.30pm.

Fire service spokesman Tim Rees said the building was largely destroyed by the blaze.

Four fire engines and a command unit from Wellington fought the fire, which was still being dampened down at 8pm.

A witness saw the boys leaving the blaze and police said the pair later admitted the cemetery attack in an interview in the presence of their parents.

The boys were being dealt with by Youth Aid.