A headteacher has condemned vandals who left a trail of damage and destruction at a school.

Powers Hall Infants School in Witham was targeted by vandals twice last week.

The damage included a gate being ripped from its hinges, branches torn from trees and broken glass strewn over the grounds.

And vandals trampled on a flowerbed which had been planted by children aged between three and seven years at the Spa Road school.

Witham police have now vowed to step up patrols at the school to try to stamp out trouble.

Headteacher Janet Newton said the offenders were "hell bent on causing stupid chaos".

She said she feared the trouble started after a car was left abandoned in a nearby public car park.

Mrs Newton said: "The vandals seemed to be in the mood on Monday night after they pulled wheels off the car before moving on to the school, but we had more trouble on Wednesday night.

"The damage caused to flowers and plants is a real shame. The children were involved in the planting and they have put in a lot of hard work."

PC Emma Makey, of Witham police, said patrols in the area would be stepped up, saying officers would be keeping a closer eye on the school in the light of the two incidents.

She added: "But we hope the children learn from the trouble caused and don't grow up to be vandals themselves."

Caretaker Mik Ager added: "We want the trouble to stop because the damage is simply mindless and unnecessary.

"The children take a lot of pride in their efforts at the school and I hope the people who did this realise how selfish they are being."

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