Principal 'disgusted' by primary school vandalism

A series of incidents at the school have been described as 'disheartening' by its principal

A headteacher has said she is "saddened and disgusted" after vandals broke into her school over the weekend.

Louise Cunning, from Sacred Heart Primary School in the Trench Road area of Londonderry's Waterside, said the break-in was the latest at the school.

Police said a classroom had been ransacked and significant damage caused to a memorial garden in the school grounds early on Sunday morning.

Ms Cunning said the school would now "be taking further action" to prevent any further incidents.

Police received reports of a burglary at the school that may have happened at around 05:00 GMT on Sunday.

Ms Cunning said those responsible had "specifically targeted the Year 1 area, causing damage within the classrooms and also to the main Year 1 doors, in their efforts to break into the school building".

Over recent weeks, she said, damage had been caused to a storage shed and to play resources and equipment.

A bike shed had also been spray-painted and "inappropriate messages" written on the school building.

'Children should not suffer'

In a statement on the school's website, she added: "We are committed to providing a safe environment for our students, and these senseless acts of vandalism are unacceptable. It is disheartening that our school, part of such a strong and supportive community, has now become a target.

"Our children should not suffer from such actions."

The school has appealed for anyone who lives nearby and who may have any dashcam or doorbell footage to contact them.

Police have also appealed for anyone with information to come forward.