Robert Wilkinson Primary School in Strensall was broken into between Saturday and today (Monday), with the thieves removing ceiling tiles and breaking equipment as well as stealing computer parts.

The school said people had also climbed on the roof "on more than one occasion" in the past week, and on Saturday a group of youths were seen setting off fireworks from atop the building.

Chris Evans, Head of the Academy's Teaching and Learning, said: "It is with great sadness that I must report to you that we have been broken into on more than one occasion during the week.

"Much mess and damage has been caused to computers, school equipment and decor at a time when school can ill afford these costings.

"We believe the intruders have climbed on the school roof too, on more than one occasion last week, and we hear there were reports that fireworks were being set off from the school roof one evening."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “This mindless vandalism will no doubt cause disruption at a time when schools are working extremely hard to support their pupils.

"Anyone with information about who is responsible should contact the police.”

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Primary school ransacked and computer equipment stolen as vandals launch fireworks from roof