Children have been left terrified following a break-in at a Fife primary school.
Around £5,000 of damage was caused in a wrecking spree by vandals at Burntisland Primary School.
Pupils’ work was defaced and ripped from classroom walls, desks were vandalised and expensive equipment damaged.
A poppy collection tin filled with money ahead of Remembrance Sunday was stolen in the raid.
Parents and teachers have been left sickened by the attack and some younger pupils are said to be frightened to go to bed at night in case the thieves target their homes.
Police are investigating the break-in, which was discovered by school staff on Monday morning.
Headteacher Julie Anderson said everyone was “really upset and saddened” by the damage and loss.
“Children and staff have been upset that people would cause such damage and destroy their things,” she said. “However, we are pleased to report the learning and teaching in the school has been unaffected by the incident.”
Mrs Anderson said it was likely those responsible were local as they knew their way around the building, adding: “The police are continuing their investigation and we hope they have this case solved as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, we would like to reassure parents, children and the wider community that the school will be vigilant with regards to our security and there is nothing to be alarmed about.”
Mrs Anderson said: “It is business as usual and we won’t let this recent upset interfere with the excellent learning and teaching that goes on here.”
Ben Barron, chairman of Burntisland Primary’s parent council, said the damage caused had been “horrendous”.
He revealed smart boards had been slashed with a Stanley knife and projectors had had their lenses scratched, while other equipment had been smashed.
“That’s bad enough but these things can be replaced,” he said. “What’s worse is the kids’ artwork, which they spent so much time on, has been ripped and written across. They’re young kids and their work means a lot to them.
“It’s sickening that someone would have the mentality to do something like that.”
He added: “Some parents are telling me their children have been left very upset and are now worried about their houses being broken into.
“They won’t go to sleep at night and are having to go into their parents’ bed. It’s terrible and such a shame for them.”
Mr Barron, who has two children at the school, said the fact the poppy collection had been stolen had also shocked people.
“The parent council will now hold discussions with a view to making a donation to the British Legion to make up for the theft,” he said. “Those responsible obviously know the school and the break-in has been really malicious and nasty.
“It has come at a time when we are trying to look forward and everyone is coming together as a community after the debacle of the site selection for the new school.”
Chief Inspector Derek McEwan, who is in charge of community policing in the area, said: “Police Scotland is currently investigating this incident and will use whatever resources are necessary to detect and bring to justice the people who caused this damage and stooped so low as to steal from a poppy collection.”