A Keighley school plagued by vandalism is calling for a greater police presence after it was left counting the cost of yet another attack.

Our Lady of Victories RC Primary School, in Guard House Road, had 11 of its windows smashed on Monday evening by brick-throwing vandals who caused an estimated £3,000 worth of damage.

Head teacher Kath Robinson says the latest "mindless" attack on the school followed the breakage of two other windows at the weekend.

She says: "It is becoming a constant thing and we need more police patrols and a higher police profile to deter those responsible.

"We would also appeal to neighbours to keep their eyes and ears open and report incidents like this.

"The Government has just announced extra money for school security, and we are just praying to God we can get closed circuit cameras so those responsible can be prosecuted. At the moment they are just running wild.

"It happened at both the front and back of the building and the double glazed windows just exploded across the classrooms and spread glass everywhere. We've got up as much as we can but slivers of glass can go anywhere.

"One of the bricks also travelled right across the classroom and smashed a display that contained work by the children.

"We can claim a percentage of the cost back from the DfEE but it will cost the school about £500 in real terms, which will come out of the flexible budget used to buy books and equipment.

"It's soul destroying because we are trying our best to provide a pleasant environment for children and it's very depressing that the only people it is damaging are young, innocent children."

Inspector Paul Spencer, of Keighley police, says: "We are aware of the damage they have had at the school and we have spoken to the staff there and given security advice.

"Our crime prevention officer has been asked to visit the school to do something on a more long-term basis, and information has been passed out to the patrols."

"If there is anything we can do to try and alleviate the problem we will do it."

Sergeant Allan Gee adds: "Several large bricks were thrown with such considerable force that they have gone right through the windows and caused damage to property in the school.

"This happened between 8.10 and 8.20pm, and we are appealing for anyone who saw what went on, or who may have information about who may have committed this crime, to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact PC Berryman at Keighley police on 01535 617059 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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