Graffiti has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a school in St Albans.

The incident happened at How Wood Primary School, in Spooners Drive, between 2.50pm on August 17 and 6.55am the following morning.

Offensive messages and pictures have been written in marker pens and white gloss paint, all over the school building, windows and a wooden pergola, which was recently installed.

The damage caused is thought to be around £10,000.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information regarding the criminal damage.

PC Donna Horwood said: "This is an upsetting crime which has caused a great deal of dismay to the school community and left them with a substantial repair bill.

"I am keen to catch those responsible as soon as possible and am appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area between the times stated to contact me."

Anyone with any information should contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting crime reference F3/15/1315.