POLICE are hunting "mindless" vandals who ransacked a classroom for children with special needs at an award-winning school.The scene of destruction at Chilton Primary School in Stowmarket has prompted its headteacher to call for CCTV equipment to prevent a repeat of this weekend's shocking incident.

POLICE are hunting "mindless" vandals who ransacked a classroom for children with special needs at an award-winning school.

The scene of destruction at Chilton Primary School in Stowmarket has prompted its headteacher to call for CCTV equipment to prevent a repeat of this weekend's shocking incident.

Paint was sprayed over the mobile classroom – used for play therapy and improving children's social skills – as tables and chairs were upturned and musical instruments smashed. The cost is likely to run into hundreds of pounds and the repair job could take months.

"We don't think there has been anything stolen, so it seems to have been wilful vandalism. It looks as if they've had a party in there," said headteacher, Jan Watson.

"The effect is going to be quite profound as there is irretrievable damage. It is going to take a long time to get it clean and I think we will have to start again and buy new things.

"I'm completely shocked and I just feel so sad for the children because they won't be able to enjoy the opportunities they had before."

Mrs Watson said the school had put "a lot of time and money" into the classroom's resources, which include music teaching and regular visits from a play therapist – part of the school's pioneering work to help children with special needs.

Based in Violet Hill Road, the school was recently honoured with a Government award for progress of its children and had triumphed in the past two years in a national "healthy schools" prize.

Police are asking anyone who might know anything about the incident to call them on 01284 774100.