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Arundel Court Primary Academy & Nursery was thrown into disarray after yobs broke into the site and ransacked it, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.

Thugs sprayed paint across the walls, a television and the floor of the Northam Street education centre, in Landport, and trashed furniture and blinds. Electronic items were also stolen.

In a desperate bid for help, the school launched a crowdfunding plea online – and have been blown away by the response.

Vandals have damaged the nursery room at Arundel Court Primary Academy & Nursery in Northam Street, Landport. Picture: Arundel Court Primary Academy & Nursery

They were swamped with more than 120 donations, raising almost £2,000 in a matter of hours.

Anita Venugopal, deputy headteacher and nursery manager at Arundel Court, said: ‘We’re just absolutely overwhelmed. I’m not normally lost for words but I can’t believe it. This kindness has blown me away.

‘I’m so grateful and so proud. It’s been unbelievable. People have been so generous and kind. This wasn’t what we were expecting at all.’

The amount raised so far is only a fraction of what the school will need to replace all its damaged equipment, furniture and stores – with leaders fearing the bill could soar to £50,000.

Mrs Venugopal added: ‘The nursery is just an empty shell. We really don’t know how much the damage is going to cost exactly yet.’

The school turned to social media initially in a bid to track down those responsible for Monday’s break-in, which forced them to close the nursery.

‘But what this has turned into is a way of restoring faith in our local community. It’s been overwhelming,’ a tearful Mrs Venugopal told The News. ‘It’s turned out to be an emotional rollercoaster.

‘People are coming from everywhere to support us. We have had people from Bedhampton, Havant, Hilsea and Horsham. We have even had a response from someone in America. It’s been incredible...it has left me broken, emotionally.’

Children and staff from Arundel Court Primary Academy & Nursery, in Northam Street, Landport, which was vandalised by thugs. Since launching a crowdfunding campaign, the school has raised about £2,000.

The nursery is now back open but running from elsewhere inside the school.

On Wednesday, police arrested a 14-year-old boy in connection with the break-in. He has been released on bail until March 25.

Yesterday, three more children – a 14-year-old boy, 13-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy – were being questioned by police after being arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Police have urged anyone with information that could help the investigation to call them on 101 and quote crime reference 44200071241.

Those wishing to support Arundel Court’s fundraising campaign can see the school’s Facebook page or visit: gofundme.com/f/vandalised-arundel-court-nursery

Portsmouth nursery trashed by vandals is 'overwhelmed' as city rallies to help pay its £50k repair bill