Schools around Colchester are bearing the brunt of the holidays as vandals go on wrecking sprees in the empty buildings.

Several schools across the area have been the target of attacks and burglaries.

The latest to fall foul of vandals was Thomas, Lord Audley School in Monkwick Avenue, Monkwick.

Burglars broke in through the windows and stole a fire extinguisher and a hose, together worth £100, and caused damage inside the building.

The offences were reported to police

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester police, said: "They smashed the place about a bit."

It is the second attack on the school in a week, after windows were smashed last weekend.

Lexden Primary School, in Trafalgar Road, Lexden, was also the scene of criminal damage.

At about 6.25pm on Sunday, three youths were seen on the roof of the school throwing chairs about.

One was wearing a baseball cap, jeans and a white T-shirt, and had short, dark hair.

St Andrew's Primary School in Mandeville Road, Marks Tey, also suffered at the weekend.

A window at the school was broken by vandals some time during Saturday day.

Vandals also attacked St Helena School, in Sheepen Road, last week, smashing two ground-floor windows.

Det Sgt Napier said: "We would ask if anyone lives in the vicinity of those schools and does see anything going on, to ring us immediately so we can save the Essex taxpayer some money."

If you have any information about any of the attacks on the schools, contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

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