Vandals left a trail of destruction in Moredon and caused £20,000 damage to Hreod Parkway School.

The intruders smashed windows and doors and also damaged videos, televisions and vending machines at the school.

The attack happened at around the same time as eight vehicles were damaged in nearby Jubilee Road.

Mary Gladman, chairman of the governors at Hreod Parkway, said that pupils and staff would be devastated.

She said: "This is not a very nice Christmas present for us.

"Everybody is working hard to improve things at the school, and this kind of thing does not help. Luckily we have not experienced a lot of vandalism since we installed a new security fence."

Mrs Gladman was more sad than angry. She said: "Quite apart from the damage, I am sad that children do this kind of thing."

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour has become a major problem in the Moredon and Haydon Wick area in recent months.

In October, the Evening Advertiser reported how gangs of youths were gathering outside the Rodbourne Cheney Working Men's Club in Moredon Road and intimating members.

Earlier this month Hreod Parkway headteacher Andrew Fleet met police and local councillors to discuss problems in the area. He wrote to the parents of children believed to have been involved.

Mr Fleet wasn't available for comment on the latest attack.

Intruders entered the premises at around 12.30am on Saturday.

The incident in Jubilee Road happened at midnight.

Vandals were seen kicking cars, smashing windows and pulling off wiper blades.

Resident Lee Chivers, 23, had a wiper pulled off his Ford Escort.

He said: "I am angry, but it won't cost that much to repair.

"Other people are furious. One guy had his windscreen smashed."

Anyone with information about either incident should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Two boys have been arrested in connection with the damage at Hreod Parkway School . A 12-year-old and a 15-year-old have been released on police bail until January 26.

Tamash Lal