A SCHOOL in Trowbridge has been targeted by vandals for the second time in the space of two months.

Holbrook Primary School was raided over the Easter holidays and its beloved mascot, a teddy bear named Hugo, was stolen to the devastation of pupils.

Two weeks ago the bear was left at the front door of the school overnight with a Post-it note attached to it which read ‘Sorry for any inconvenience’.

However, the school was again broken into over the Bank Holiday weekend and two bears which had been donated by well-wishers saddened by the theft of Hugo were stolen, while the word ‘Hugo’ was written on a table in the staffroom in glue.

Headteacher Roger Whitewick said: “At first I thought they had just broken in and damaged property by throwing glue and paint over the walls and furniture.

“But then we realised they had taken two of the teddy bears which people had donated to us after learning of Hugo’s disappearance from my office, where Hugo was taken from.

“Those teddy bears were symbolic because they were supposed to show the pupils that although there are mean people out there, there are also kind-hearted people who want to do nice things.

“When we saw that they had written Hugo on the desk, we realised they are playing a game with us.”

Hugo was not taken this time because Mr Whitewick has been taking him home with him every evening to keep him safe.

Police are appealing for information after the break-in, which also saw the vandals let off fire extinguishers, damage furniture and ruin pupils' work.

The school will now have to hire a cleaner to sort the mess out before pupils return after half term and Mr Whitewick said they are going to review their safety measures.

“I was absolutely dismayed when I heard what had happened,” he added.

“For it to happen twice in a short period of time is such a shame and we really hope whoever is doing it is caught.

“Teachers, pupils and parents were so happy when Hugo was returned but now we are faced with the sadness of having to deal with another mindless break-in and theft of two teddy bears."

Anybody with information is urged to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.