CHILDREN at a Clydebank primary school have been left distressed and heartbroken following repeated acts of vandalism at the school grounds.

Pupils at Our Lady of Loretto Primary were said to have been upset to discover that the outdoor area at their school had been broken into and vandalised over the weekend.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) reported that this is not the first instance of this happening, stating that the school grounds have been broken into and vandalised at least ten times in the five months since the start of the year.

In the most recent incident, the literacy small worlds huts were broken into and many of the resources were destroyed by the vandals, leaving the children very upset.

Toys that many of the pupils enjoy are also said to have been “deliberately broken”.

The council said staff and children alike are saddened by this “deliberate act” as they value the outdoor space for play and learning.

The incident has been described as “despicable” and WDC is urging anyone with any information to contact police.

Michelle Diamond, headteacher at Our Lady of Loretto Primary School and ELCC, said: “Every time our school and ELCC is broken in to it has a terrible effect on our children as we try to explain why this continues to happen.

“This latest incident is very upsetting as many of our children’s resources have been damaged and children’s toys damaged beyond repair.

“I would ask the public to help us by reporting any trespassers in our grounds outwith school hours to Police Scotland.

“Hopefully, this will deter any future vandalism and ensure our pupils and children enjoy their outdoor play.”

In April, Gavinburn Primary in Old Kilpatrick found itself the target of two separate incidents of vandalism and theft on consecutive nights, with the outdoor area and bug garden the children had tirelessly worked on destroyed.