A WINSFORD child has been scarred for life after yobs threw a plank of wood through the window of derelict flats due for demolition.

Katie Dean, aged eight, was playing with friends in Hambleton Way last Tuesday evening, April 16, near to the three-storey flats.

Gangs of youths were messing around in the building and threw a large plank of wood through a top floor window, which hit Katie in the head and chest.

She was left drenched in blood and in considerable pain before being taken by ambulance to Leighton Hospital, where she received nine stitches for a deep gash to the left of her forehead.

Katie, who attends Over Hall Primary School, has also suffered a large graze across her chest and bruising to her leg.

Doctors have told Katie's family she will be left with the scar on her head for the rest of her life.

Her mum Claire, who lives in Montgomery Way, holds Vale Royal Borough Council partly responsible because she believes not enough was done to keep the youths out.

She said: "Katie is a little girl and apart from what she has already been through she may have psychological damage in the years to come because of the scar.

"I am going to try to claim compensation back from the council's insurance, which isn't going to make up for it, but if there is anything the doctors can do then the money would help to pay."

The flats were demolished this week although the council insists the process was not speeded up as a result of Katie's injury.

A spokesperson said the council was unable to seal off the property with barrier fencing until the last tenant was re-housed in early April.

She added: "The council is extremely sorry about the incident that occurred last week when, due to the reckless behaviour of a few, a young girl has suffered."

jpowell@guardiangrp.co.uk