Vandals broke into a Derry primary school, ransacked toys and paperwork in a classroom and caused "significant damage" to a memorial garden.
The break-in happened over the weekend at Sacred Heart Primary School in the Waterside and, according to the school principal, is the latest example of "anti-social behaviour" that's seen empty drink bottles left behind along with "inappropriate messages" written on the building and grounds.
The principal, Mrs Louise Cunning, said the school is "extremely thankful" to a "vigilant member of the public" who raised the alarm with the PSNI during the latest incident.
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A police spokesperson said it's believed the break-in may have happened between 4.45am and 5.20am on Sunday.
In a statement for parents posted on social media, Mrs Cunning said: "As Principal, I am saddened and disgusted to report that our wonderful school was attacked by vandals last night who broke into our Foundation Stage building.
"The vandals specifically targeted the Year 1 area, causing damage within the classrooms and also to the main Year 1 doors, in their efforts to break into the school building.
"Over the past few weeks, we have dealt with isolated incidents of anti-social behaviour including empty bottles of alcohol being left behind our Sensory Room and throughout the school grounds; damage to the Year 1 and 2 storage shed, damage to play resources/equipment, spray painting of the bike shed, inappropriate messages being written on the ground/building and now this."
The Sacred Heart PS principal added: "Our intruder alarm triggered our own security and while they reacted immediately, we know that a vigilant member of the public had already raised the alarm with the Police. We are extremely thankful to this person for doing so."
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Police in Derry/Londonderry are investigating a report of a burglary at a school on Trench Road in the Waterside at the weekend.
"It was reported to police on Sunday, 8th December, shortly before 5.20am, that a classroom had been ransacked and toys and paperwork had been thrown around the classroom. Significant damage was also caused to a memorial garden on the grounds of the school. It's believed this may have occurred sometime between 4.45am and 5.20am on Sunday."
The spokesperson added: "Enquiries are ongoing."
The school principal, Mrs Cunning, continued: "I am appealing to anyone who lives close by, who may have any information regarding this matter, to please come and speak with me. If you saw anything suspicious over the weekend or have any relevant dashcam footage, CCTV/Ring doorbells at house doors etc that may be able to identify the intruders, we would be very grateful to have this. We are extremely interested in any footage which may have been recorded between the hours of 6pm last night and 6am this morning."
She added: "I would urge everyone to remain extra vigilant when around school and to contact the Police on 101 should you witness any trespassing or anything suspicious."
A police spokesperson said: "Police appeal to anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area to call 101, quote reference 351 of 08/12/24.
"You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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