VANDALS smashed windows and left shattered glass strewn across a children's play area in a drink-fuelled wrecking spree at a school.

When the caretaker turned up to let a plumber into Worcester's Perry Wood Primary School on Saturday he was faced with a scene of destruction.

Fifteen windows were smashed at the school in St Alban's Close, Ronkswood, and glass shards were mixed among bark chippings that provide soft-landing areas for children playing.

A new wooden outdoor classroom had been used as a makeshift shelter and was filled with beer cans. Fencing had also been torn down.

Pauline Begley, administration manager at the school for youngsters aged five to 11, said pupils would be facing the aftermath of the devastation today.

"We've managed to board the windows up and pick up the beer cans, but it is going to be a nightmare getting all of the glass out of the bark chipings," she said.

"The people who did this are just mindless thugs. We have made such an effort to make this a nice community school for the children of Ronkswood, but these people have just come in a ruined it.

"What do you say to the children when something like this happens?"

Inspector Alan Grayson, of Worcester police, said attack was being treated as criminal damage. He said it happened between 6.20pm on Friday, March 31, and 9am on Saturday, April 1.

"When the caretaker locked up on Friday night he did see a group of youths hanging around.

"We are appealing for any members of the public who may have witnessed something in the area on Friday night or in the early hours of Saturday morning to get in touch."

The number to call is 08457 444 888 (quote 0270S1/04) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.