A SCHOOL on Portland is picking up the pieces after drunken yobs broke into a shed and threw play equipment around the playground.

Police say Haylands Pre-school in Clarence Road was targeted by a group of up to 20 youths.

The gang climbed over the fence of the school and smashed their way into a shed storing children's play equipment.

Once inside the grounds the youths threw mats and children's toys, including a rocking horse, around the playground and into nearby bushes.

The next day the caretaker found empty bottles of cider among the equipment, along with cigarette ends, and evidence of drug use.

Portland beat officer PC Mike Holman helped to clear the area before children arrived back at school.

He said: "This was a completely mindless and quite depressing act.

"It looks like they had bongs for drug use and drank a large quantity of alcohol.

"There were empty bottles among the toys and hedges and some quite disgusting articles left for children to see.

"We believe there may have been up to 20 people involved and I would urge people to help us out on this one.

"I know the people of Portland do not want to see these things happening.

"Someone has to draw the line when crimes like this happen."

Anyone with information should call 01305 222222.