RESIDENTS have spoken of their anger after mindless yobs used bricks to smash windows in an attack on a primary school.

Vandals chucked ‘bricks and stones’ breaking several windows at Haslingden Primary School in Ryefield Avenue at around 6.30pm yesterday.

The school now faces costs of thousands of pounds in repairs for the damage caused.

Nearby neighbours have called for police patrols to be ‘stepped up’ following the incident and said the closure of Haslingden police station had not helped.

One resident said: “I would have challenged the offenders if I’d seen them.

“We need more police presence in the area and closing the station hasn’t helped matters.

Another resident said: “It’s terrible and we had something similar with the windows of the Haslingden swimming baths being smashed in the past.

“We need police patrols in the area to be stepped up.”

Ronald Howarth, 88, who lives in nearby Helmshore Road, said: “I’m just shocked as it’s not something you expect to happen in a quiet area like this.”

Glyn Ellis, headteacher at the school called for people ‘to respect the building, the school children and the community.’ He said: “The damage will run into thousands of pounds in addition to the time taken to sort out the mess.

“If you are responsible, please know that we are Haslingden’s community school.

“It is a special place in our community; a safe place for all who use it.

“It has stood for over 100 years and will stand for another with the support and love of the people in our town despite your actions.”

County councillor Susie Charles, cabinet bember for children, young people and schools, said putting the damage right has a cost in time and money that would be better spent on education.

Cllr Charles said: " Haslingden Primary School suffered an act of vandalism on Thursday evening when a number of windows were broken, and some signs were ripped off fencing.

"It is upsetting that a school, which plays such an important role in providing services and facilities at the heart of a local community, should have to deal with the consequence of mindless vandalism."

Police are now appealing for potential witnesses to come forward following the incident and said the school is in the process of sending CCTV of the incident over to them.

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman said: “This incident was reported to police at 9.45am this morning.

“Offenders have thrown stones through the windows of Haslingden Primary School in Ryefield Avenue causing damage and holes through the windows.

“The school is in the process of sending CCTV to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101quoting log number 0389 of August 25.