Organisers behind the popular Diggle scarecrow trail have said some scarecrows have been 'beheaded' and 'chucked' into the canal, just days after the hotly anticipated trail kicked off.

The popular route, which invites residents to get into the Halloween spirit by putting up their own scarecrows, has taken months of organisation by the Friends of Diggle School group will all the proceeds of the trail going to support the primary school.

Ever since the trail returned on October 20, visitors have been praising the activity on social media and posting their pictures, posing next to their favourite creative displays.

The Oldham Times: This pumpkin scarecrow was also attackedThis pumpkin scarecrow was also attacked (Image: Diggle Scarecrow Trail)

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

However, within days of the launching, organisers said four scarecrows on the route were vandalised.

One scarecrow situated in the stone bus stop had been "totally vandalised", allegedly by older school children, while another was found "broken" with "all the bits thrown around".

The Oldham Times: Another scarecrow in the bus stop has been vandalisedAnother scarecrow in the bus stop has been vandalised (Image: Diggle Scarecrow Trail)

Another two were also "beheaded" and their heads were thrown in the river.

Friends of Diggle School said in a post on social media: "We are so angry about this.

"Such a lot of people have put hours and hours of hard work into these scarecrows.

"It is so sad that people can't just leave them alone and admire them."

The Oldham Times: A scene from Stranger Things can be found along the routeA scene from Stranger Things can be found along the route (Image: Diggle Scarecrow Trail)

While the incidents are fortunately rare, and the four scarecrows are being tended to, there are still more than 25 impressive creations to find in the spooky walk.

A sneak peek into the route shows there is a huge homage to the Netflix hit and science fiction horror drama, Stranger Things, which is lurking somewhere in the woods.

The display has Eleven herself, a rather lifelike-looking alien and Billy Hargrove's grave amongst other humorous nods to the show.

The Oldham Times: Eleven and a lifelike alien from Stranger Things lurk in the woodsEleven and a lifelike alien from Stranger Things lurk in the woods (Image: Diggle Scarecrow Trail)

Jack Skellington, from the 1993 film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, can also be spotted along the route in between a plethora of witches and wizards, including Harry Potter, ghouls, werewolves and many more.

Rallying around the organisers, residents said it was "such a shame" to see some of the scarecrows had been damaged.

The Oldham Times: There are 25 scarecrows to be found all across DiggleThere are 25 scarecrows to be found all across Diggle (Image: Diggle Scarecrow Trail)

Another comment read: "Why would they do this? Should be made to repair them and pick up all the rubbish in the village and at school every lunchtime." 

The organisers added: "Please, if you know who the culprits are, get in touch."

Those daring to complete the trail before its grand finale night on Halloween (October 31) can park for free at Saddleworth School and grab trail sheets for just £3 from The Gate Inn, The Diggle Hotel and Grandpa Greene's.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.