MISSILE-wielding thugs who attacked a primary school have been condemned by community leaders.

CCTV images have been released in a bid to catch the culprits, who hurled huge chunks of stone at the building and kicked doors.

Keighley MP, Kris Hopkins described the attack as an “outrageous and sickening episode of wanton vandalism”.

Bosses at Keighley St Andrew’s CE Primary School have been left counting the cost of the destruction, with damage running into several hundred pounds.

Now calls are being made for anyone with information about the incident and those responsible to contact the police, who are examining the CCTV footage. The images show three boys, one clearly holding lumps of rock, around the Lustre Street building.

School business manager, Gill Higham, discovered the damage at the start of the Easter holidays.

It is believed the incident happened at about 5.50pm on Sunday, April 9.

She said: “Two windows were smashed but it was just good fortune that it wasn’t more. Some had been hit strongly but didn’t break. The cost of repairing the damage is about £400 and whilst we have insurance, there is an excess to pay and it affects the premiums. This extra money is funding that we should be spending on the children. This is a real blow. Vandalism eats up money. It might just be a bit of fun to those who commit the damage, but it’s sickening when this happens.”

Two years ago, yobs destroyed a garden tended by youngsters at the 400-plus-pupil school and in a separate incident burglars escaped with a haul of computer equipment.

CCTV, part of a package of security measures at the school, was upgraded about six months ago.

Mr Hopkins said: “Those behind this must be identified and punished for their mindless actions and I have no doubt the police will do their very best to ensure that this happens,” he said.

“Any resident who has even the smallest piece of information that might assist investigating officers should pass this on in confidence.”

Keighley Central ward councillors have also blasted those responsible.

“This type of act is totally unacceptable and the perpetrators must be stopped,” said Cllr Abid Hussain.

Cllr Zafar Ali said: “I strongly condemn any act of vandalism but attacks on schools, which are at the heart of communities and our children’s learning, are especially abhorrent.”

Police confirmed they are investigating an incident of criminal damage at the school. Anyone with information should contact the Keighley Area Neighbourhood Team on 101, quoting crime reference 13170162193, or Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.

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