The polytunnel a Halstead school has worked hard to buy and build has been vandalised in a “senseless attack”.

In May, Ramsey Academy’s Gardening Club was given a grant of £500 for a poly tunnel.

After successfully raising the additional £800 28ft by 14ft polytunnel, work started to build it and it was completed last week.

However, some time after 6pm on Tuesday, the sides have been ripped open by what looks like a Stanley knife.

The club had been looking forward to showing off the poly tunnel when the Anglia in Bloom judges arrive on Thursday.

Headteacher Rob James said: “It is a senseless attack that has deprived the students of a resource they worked hard to develop.

“The students and staff are devastated as they have devoted hours of their time to build and develop the project.

“The other students in the school also cannot believe anyone from the local community would do this as we have worked hard to build a community spirit.

“The police have been informed.

“We would urge anyone with information to come forward to the school or to the police.”