VANDALS who struck at a specialist nursery under the cover of half term are being sought by police.

The heartless attack has left staff at the Cleveland Unit picking up the pieces and counting the cost.

They returned after the break to find furniture and toys hurled on the roof of the building in Hemlington’s Cass House Road.

Two benches, a seesaw and a red trike with a trailer on the back were stolen, and attachments were removed from a specialist swing.

Senior Specialist Teacher Lucy Donnelly said: “It’s heartbreaking to come back to this because the toys mean so much to the children and their families.

“Luckily we’d brought the swing inside for half term, but without the attachments we can’t use it as it can’t be safely attached to the frame.”

Cleveland Unit Manager Jennie Kitchen said: "We just hope someone out there has the decency to return what was taken, and report those responsible to the police."

The Cleveland Unit Child Development Centre is part of Middlesbrough’s Early Years Specialist Support Service and provides assessment, therapy, specialist teaching and support for families.

The service supports children from birth to four years of age with complex special educational needs and currently has 25 children attending the nursery.

Anyone with information on the vandalism and theft at the Cleveland Unit is asked to called Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.