Future of Derry nursery in doubt after copper theft

The future of a nursery school in Londonderry is in doubt after copper thieves caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the building.

Staff at Naiscoil Na Rinne in Cromore gardens discovered the damage when they returned after the Easter break.

Parents have been told to keep their children at school.

Deirdre McCartney is a classroom assistant, who was first on the scene, said it was very emotional to see the damage that was carried out.

"We're all devastated. It is terrible, very sad for the wee ones who should be in school.

"Those who carried this out are thugs," she said.

Jackie Ward is a supervisor at the school.

"We first looked and noticed the petty cash tin had been tampered with and money had been taken.

"We then went over to the store and saw that it was badly water damaged after pipes were ripped up. A lot of equipment is stored there.

"General art work the children made had to be thrown out. The toilets have been destroyed.

"We rely on parents contributions to keep this school going. I worry about where we're going to get the money to run this place," she said.