STAFF at a Penwortham primary school are fuming after vandals caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

The incidents happened at Middleforth Primary School, in Hill Road South, Penwortham, on Wednesday and Thursday May 9 and 10, when vandals damaged stonework, smashed a window and trespassed inside the school.

Headteacher Susan Clegg said such occurrences were rare and it had come as quite a shock.

She said: "They had forced four coping stones off the top of school walls, and just left them lying on the playground -- we presume they were being used by skateboarders."

The following night they struck again, this time smashing a glass window and leaving litter inside the school.

Mrs Clegg said: "Someone saw the incident take place and rang the police, but when they arrived those responsible had fled. The window is safety glass too, so there were pieces of glass all over the floor and empty beer cans and bottles everywhere -- it was a real mess.

"It is a shame because all this has to be repaired, using money which could be better spent on more important things. Apart from that, having glass, bricks and litter lying around is a potential danger to children."

Since the incidents took place, a number of witnesses have come forward with descriptions and names of children, thought to be aged 12-13 years.

Mrs Clegg said: "The police have been to interview those involved but say they can't find any proof."

The incidents also jeopardise a new nursery school proposed to be built on the school grounds. Plans for the private nursery are still in the early stages and have gone out for consultation to parents, residents and other nurseries in the area.

Mrs Clegg said: "We usually deal with vandalism very well, but if we get a reputation it could threaten the future of the development."

If anyone has any information about the attacks, call Penwortham Police on 01772 433561.