Sick vandals have forced the closure of a Fife primary and nursery school.
Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done to Benarty Primary School in Lochleven Road, Lochore, after the building was targeted some time over the weekend
A spokesperson for Fife Council said “extensive” damage had been caused, with many windows understood to be smashed.
Staff who returned to school on Tuesday found the scene of devastation and took the decision to shut both the primary and nursery school to pupils.
Parents were given early notification via the council’s alert service shortly after 7am.
It is not clear how long the buildings will remain closed, although Neil FInnie, senior compliance officer with education and children’s services, said officials hoped to have the school open by close of play on Tuesday to ensure business as usual on Wednesday.
“Over the weekend, an individual broke into Benarty Primary School and Nursery and caused damage to the building and its contents,” he confirmed.
“Internal and external windows were smashed and equipment was damaged.
“Teams are on site repairing the damage and cleaning up the mess left.
“This is a really disturbing and upsetting event for the whole school community, especially the pupils.”
Police said they are investigating the break-in and confirmed that a 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a vandalism and housebreaking in Lochore.
A spokesperson added: “The incident occurred around 7.30pm on Monday May 1 at Benarty Primary School.”
He is expected to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court in due course.