Jersey children 'really upset' after school vandalised

Sam Cooper, head teacher, said "sadly the school is a bit of a mess"

A head teacher said children were "really upset" after a school in Jersey was vandalised.

States of Jersey Police said it was investigating a break-in at d'Auvergne School, St Helier, on Tuesday.

Sam Cooper, head teacher, said "sadly the school is a bit of a mess. There was a fire in the bathroom and quite a lot of smoke damage".

Police said six teenagers had been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.

Head teacher Sam Cooper said "it does feel like we've all been violated"

Mr Cooper said police found "vandalism, graffiti and spray cans" and "children have been really upset this morning, there have been tears".

"We've had to do a lot of reassuring that their safe space will be fine the next time they go into the building."

The head teacher said he went to the school after the alarm went off at about 20:30 GMT.

Already at the scene, police "indicated there had been some damage", he said.

He added parents had been "incredible".

Mr Cooper said they hoped to reopen on Thursday

"I'm a proud head teacher... it's a massive part of my life, it does feel like we've all been violated.

"This sort of thing shouldn't happen to any of us and we can't help but take it personally."

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said it had attended the school.

Mr Cooper said a planned choir performance would go ahead on Wednesday night at St Mark's Church - despite the school's closure.

He said they hoped to reopen on Thursday.

Police said it had arrested six children aged between 13 and 15, all on suspicion of break and entry, and four under the Fire Service Law.

All have been released on police bail while inquiries continue, it added.

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