Sudbury mum's pumpkins destroyed in Applegate Mews

24-year-old Niamh Hutchings, who lives in Applegate Mews, Sudbury, carved two pumpkins for her son, Reuben, to celebrate Halloween which, on Monday, were found smashed in the street. 

Ms Hutchings believes the pumpkins, which were displayed alongside a note from Reuben asking people not to take them, were destroyed by a group of teenagers who she saw at around 3pm the same day.

Niamh Hutchings with her son Reuben (Image: Niamh Hutchings)

"I kept seeing a big group of teenagers walking past the house, they kept looking down at Reuben's pumpkins, but I didn't think anything of it, because why would someone be that cruel?" she said. 

"It wasn't until later on in the evening, around 8pm, that I found out, and that was only because a lovely neighbour knocked to inform us and brought a new pumpkin for Reuben." 

Ms Hutchings said she was "absolutely gutted" to find the pumpkins had been destroyed, particularly because Reuben is so excited for Halloween this year. 

One of Niamh and Reuben's pumpkins (Image: Niamh Hutchings)

"It's the first year he has really understood these celebrations, so I just wanted to make it so fun for him and do everything how he wanted," said Ms Hutchings. 

Another of Ms Hutching's pumpkins (Image: Niamh Hutchings)

"I decided to tell Reuben the truth about what happened to his pumpkins, and he handled it very well.

"He was upset, but just said, "Mummy I'm sad someone threw my pumpkin, but I'm gonna be happy to get new ones."

The remains of a pumpkin after it had been destroyed (Image: Niamh Hutchings)

She said of the people who destroyed Reuben's pumpkins: "They should be completely and utterly ashamed of themselves.

"They might only be pumpkins to them, but the pumpkins made my little one extremely happy and karma will come to get them in one way or another."