YOUNGSTERS and staff at a Tynedale school are calling for help from the local community to identify vandals who have targeted school property.

It follows a number of reports of youths entering the grounds of Corbridge First School, scaling the roof of the main building and leaving damage in their wake.

Outdoor furniture and children’s soft play toys stored in a secure yard at the St Helen’s Lane site have been damaged, with many items left scattered across the school roof, and graffiti drawn on outdoor wall panels.

The most recent incident is believed to have happened between 6pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 27, and school leaders are appealing for those involved not to put themselves in danger by scaling the roof.

Headteacher Jennifer Ainsley said: “This is very upsetting for our youngest children who cannot understand why anyone would do this. Many of the items have been badly damaged. However, we know that these isolated incidents should not detract from the fact that the majority of young people in the community are not involved in this type of behaviour.”

Police are treating the reports as criminal damage and are investigating.

Officers are working with the school and are carrying out extra patrols in the area.

Miss Ainsley added: “Corbridge has a strong sense of community and the school likes to play its part. We would appreciate help from local residents.

“If you spot any suspicious activity please report it to the police by calling 101.”