CHILDREN have been left ‘heartbroken’ after vandals wrecked a school swimming pool.

Yobs smashed their way into Manor Park School and Nursery at the weekend through locked gates and fencing.

Once inside, they slashed an outdoor swimming pool, making it impossible to use.

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Pupils had been looking forward to swimming in the hired pop-up pool as a special activity.

Acting head teacher Sarah Jeffrey said she is ‘devastated’ about the ‘thoughtless’ attack.

In a letter, Mrs Jeffrey told parents: “Trespassers unlawfully accessed the school grounds and deliberately vandalised our swimming pool by slashing it beyond repair.

“This senseless act of criminal damage caused the pool to empty completely, rendering it unusable.

“As the swimming activity was scheduled for only two weeks, we regret to inform you that it cannot continue.

“Unfortunately, the pool is irreparable, and we are unable to replace it.

“We are devastated by this incident, not only because of the loss of the pool but also due to the disappointment it has caused for our children, who were excited and engaged in this activity.

“We know how much they were looking forward to enjoying the swimming lessons.

“It is heartbreaking that they will miss out due to this thoughtless act.”

Parents took to social media to vent their anger.

One mum posted: “My daughter is going to be heartbroken, I’m expecting tears when we pick her up.

“These vandals need to be sorted ASAP.”

Another mum added: “Absolutely disgusting behaviour. My kids loved it last week and were looking forward to it this week.”

One parent said: ”Such a shame our young ones are now victims to these criminals.”

Another parent added: “The amount of children who are going to be upset buy this, I hope the police do something.”

Cheshire police are investigating the incident.

Officers are examining CCTV footage to try and identify the culprits.

A police spokesman said: “At 7.54am on Monday, September 23, police were called to reports of criminal damage at a school in Knutsford.

“The caller reported that a pop-up pool had been slashed and damaged over the weekend.

“CCTV footage has been recovered and enquiries are ongoing at this time.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 1924609.