STAFF and children at Horningsham Primary School were horrified after vandals caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the school’s play area.

Large sections of rubber mulch were dug out of the ground in the enclosed area after intruders cut a hole in the fence between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.

Headteacher at the school in Church Street, Carole Andrews, said: “There’s no need for this and we just want anyone who might have seen or heard anything to come forward.

“Quite a large section has been affected in our Magic Wood area, which is adjacent to our playground, and it means we’re unable to use half of it.

“They cut out the sections but just left them there so it was quite vindictive.

“We don’t know when we will be able to get it repaired but it will cost a few thousand pounds.

“The children were really shocked and were asking why somebody would do that, especially with us being a quiet little village.

“I found out Monday what had happened and I was just horrified but also dumbfounded why anyone would do that.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.