Pupils stay home after school attack

Primary pupils were forced to stay at home today after a gang of 20 yobs smashed skylights and windows at their Wolverhampton school.

Shards of glass covered five classrooms at Grove Primary, in All Saints, this morning. Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage. Headteacher Gillian Bonser said the school's three to seven-year-olds had to be kept off for safety reasons.

Mrs Bonser, who has been at the Caledonia Road site for 10 years, said: "It is the first time we have ever had anything like this.

"A gang of around 20 youths were seen on the roof and reported to police. They were kicking the windows and skylights and throwing stones. The police then arrived and gave chase."

Mrs Bonser said the school would be back to normal tomorrow and the clean-up was well under way. She added: "This is very unusual for us, there seems to be a great deal of respect for the school in the community and we are very grateful for that respect and support."

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Preece said officers were called to the scene at 9.10pm.

She said: "Officers were called following reports of a disturbance in the grounds of Grove Primary School. Damage was caused to the school roof.

"A 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and released on bail pending further inquiries." Anyone with information can call police on 0845 113 5000.