Teachers and pupils returned to Harrowby Infants' School, New Beacon Road, on Tuesday, to find the decorative garden had been vandalised.

A perspex sign with the word 'peace' written out in different languages formed the centre piece of the garden and was damaged beyond repair. Children's plants were also knocked out of their pots.

The police were informed and came out to survey the damage on Tuesday.

Headteacher John Gibbs said: "I'm disappointed and staff are disappointed that someone could have done this to an infants school.

"The sign has been basically smashed and will need to be re-placed and the plants were uprooted.

"It has been reported to police."

The damage was caused at some time over the bank holiday weekend.

Mr Gibbs said: "The children are quite mystified and amazed that people could do such a thing.

"If there are any residents who saw anything untoward then let us know."

The pictures were sent in by parent Nik Stevens, who has two children at the school. He took the pictures on his mobile phone on Tuesday morning.

He said: "It is just mindless violence. All the plants were kicked over and the kids were trying to put them back in but were told not too because of the sharp edges.

"It is ironic that they have gone in to destroy something that is meant to represent peace."

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact Lincolnshire Police on 01476 40222.