SIX teenagers have been charged after almost £30,000 in criminal damage was caused to a primary school.

Three 14-year-olds, two 13-year-olds and a 15-year-old, all from Colchester, have been charged with criminal damage and being found in or upon an enclosed premises.

It comes as part of an investigation led by Essex Police after it received reports of a disturbance at about 6pm on Saturday, November 27 last year at Unity Primary School.

Officers found an outdoor learning area had been significantly damaged and some equipment destroyed at the site in Hickory Avenue, Greenstead, Colchester.

The school says the repairs cost £27,915 after a popular learning hub for pupils was severely damaged.

Gazette: Damage - a vandalised shed at the sceneDamage - a vandalised shed at the scene

The group of teenagers charged are now due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on June 10.

Speaking following the incident last November, headteacher Pieter Labuschagne told the Gazette he rushed to the scene after hearing police were at the school dealing with an incident.

He explained the outdoor learning facilities were “broken” and “shattered” as nails hung out of a ripped apart shed and Perspex glass was left dangerously snapped.

Mr Labuschagne explained since his arrival at the school in September 2021 he has overseen large investments into the school’s early years and reception classes.

Speaking in November, he said: “I was absolutely gutted when I got the phone call.

Gazette: Head teacher - Pieter LabuschagneHead teacher - Pieter Labuschagne

My team and I felt completely distraught; in the past two or three weeks a lot of work has gone into this and its provision.

“We are working hard to change the perception of Unity and I’ve been left disappointed to see what has happened.

“Some of the children were disappointed and a significant number of parents have said how saddened they are.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Six teenagers have been charged after damage worth £27,915 was caused to a school in Colchester.

“Three 14-year-olds, two 13-year-olds and a 15-yearold, all from Colchester, have been charged with criminal damage and being found in or upon an enclosed premises.”