VANDALS caused thousands of pounds of damage when they broke into a Portishead infant school. Hooligans broke into High Down Infants over

VANDALS caused thousands of pounds of damage when they broke into a Portishead infant school.Hooligans broke into High Down Infants over the weekend of May 27/28, smashing 14 skylights on the roof, allowing water to cause damage to classrooms.Rainwater poured in through the roof, wrecking the school's new photocopier and laminator and badly damaging carpets.Flooring in a number of areas, including the store room and toilets is now going to have to be replaced. The damage was discovered by headteacher Andreya Cowan when she came into school during half term to do some work.Cleaners and glazers were called out and spent hours during the holidays trying to repair the school before pupils returned last week.Mrs Cowan said: "It was a real mess and the whole school smells very musty as there is quite a large amount of water damage."Because the skylights have been smashed there was a lot of glass everywhere including where the children's toys and Wellingtons are kept. Pictures of the reception class trip out which were on the wall were also damaged by the water."Fortunately, as the damage happened during half term, no lessons have been disrupted."But it has come as a real blow for the school and we estimate the damage will total around £6,000."Mrs Cowan said she hoped local residents could provide information about the culprits.She added: "Whoever was responsible must have made a lot of noise with all the smashing glass."The school is surrounded by homes, so we are hoping someone may have some information."The roof above the reception classes where the skylights were smashed is covered in anti-vandal paint.Portishead Police Community Support Officer Deborah Charman said: "Whoever was responsible for the damage is likely to be covered in the anti-vandal paint which is black."I am sure it would be all over their clothes and very noticeable to whoever was washing them."I am appealing for anyone who has information about this incident to contact me at Portishead police station or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.