VANDALS rampaged through a school and smashed more than 240 windows in broad daylight.

And today as police began investigating Roman Road Primary School head teacher Mrs Liz Fisher said that the single act of vandalism will wipe out the school's annual repair and maintenance budget of £4,000.

The school remained closed today as workmen repaired the damage.

The vandals struck between 4pm and 5pm on Saturday afternoon and are thought to have used a small hammer or steel bar.

Workmen say that some of the windows were so high the vandals must have climbed on each other's backs to reach them.

The school took preventative measures two years ago when their large windows were removed and replaced by small square ones with locks.

The adjoining nursery which has protective sheets at the windows was not touched.

Mrs Fisher was informed by police and said she was deeply saddened when she saw the mess.

"It's absolutely devastating," she said. "We've had the odd window smashed but in all my years I have been here I've never seen anything just so destructive."

"As far as we know they didn't take anything this time but about a fortnight ago somebody was pushed through a window and they stole all our footballs and games equipment.

Police said they were investigating reports of criminal damage at the school and were due to get full details about the incident today. They are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to contact them on 01254 51212.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.