A HEADTEACHER has spoken out against the mindless vandals who have caused damage to property, ripped out electric cables and even ruined children’s science experiments, in a wave of recent attacks.

Oaksey Church of England School fell victim to vandalism over two weekends last month, in which the offenders climbed onto the roof, pulled out electricity wires and kicked over plant pots, which were being used to conduct science experiments by young pupils.

The damage to the school’s electricity supply caused the internal fire alarm batteries to run out of power, setting them off and requiring the school to go to expensive lengths to replace them.

Ursula Scott, headteacher, said everyone at the school was upset by the attacks. 

“They had been climbing on the roof, pulling out wires and knocking over plant pots.

“Those plant pots were children’s’ science experiments which were spoilt.

“The following week they came back and turned the electricity off.

“That caused all our internal fire batteries to run out and set the alarms off.

“It became expensive for us as we had to have them replaced.”

In a separate incident, offenders also broke into one of the school’s sheds and took some go-karts out for a ride around the playground.

Parents spotted the trespassers and alerted the police.

Mrs Scott said: “I’m very disappointed because this takes staff away from the work they should be doing with the children to clear up the mess and follow up with the police instead.

“I would say that it would be a good move if they could come and apologise to the children for destroying the science experiments.

“It would help them understand that the damage is a cost to the school, they would learn some respect about the community that they live in and the facilities that are here for everyone to enjoy.”

Three years ago, offenders broke into the school and stole Cotswold stone roof tiles.

They were caught and ordered to repay costs to the school.