VANDALS smashed windows, broke fence panels and threw flower pots across the playground of a city school.

Police say they are investigating the criminal damage which has angered staff and pupils, as well as neighbours living close to Cherry Orchard Primary School.

The Timberdine Close-based school was vandalised overnight into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

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The school is currently off for half term but on its official twitter account staff wrote: "To the vandals who came in and caused this damage, I hope you feel proud of yourselves for destroying the hard work of others.

"To our school community - if you have any info on who did this, don’t sit on it, share it with the school and we will share it with the police."

They ended the message with COPS - the school's initials - and a heart sign.

It is understood the damage has now been cleared up, ahead of the school reopening next week.

Yesterday neighbours told us they were disgusted the school had been targeted, saying they thought it must be youths out to cause trouble, and added the area was generally quiet.

One told us the last time they could remember any issues was when nearby allotments were vandalised, but they said this had been a while ago.

On the school's twitter post, one person wrote: "Really sorry to see this, absolutely shameless," while others offered to help clean up and raise cash for the school.

Sarah Hughes, West Mercia Police's Community Support Officer for the area, said: "The vandals would have gained entry coming from fields at the back.

"We are investigating it as criminal damage, they did not go into the school.

"Hopefully we can catch them."

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PCSO Hughes added that they were not linking it to a further report of criminal damage that happened in Bath Road on Tuesday night.

At around 5pm play equipment in the park of Bath Road was set on fire, and put out by firefighters.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 135S for the school damage, 472S for fire. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.