YOUNG children are being put at risk by “mindless” vandalism at a West Fife school.

That’s the view of St Serf’s Primary headteacher Catherine Mullen after a fire in the High Valleyfield school’s grounds at the weekend.

A post on the school’s Twitter page on Friday night stated: “Absolutely gutted to see yet another group of selfish youngsters starting yet another fire in the grounds of our lovely wee school. How do we ever repair our astroturf? Why our school? Why our grounds? #beyondrepair #selfish.”

The latest episode, which has rendered the astro unusable, follows previous incidents earlier in the year.

Ms Mullen said the weekend vandalism was “yet another example of the mindless activity” of people using the school as a focus for their anti-social behaviour.

“It appears that some weekends, groups of youths are actually travelling into the community and meeting around the school,” she said.

“When this happens, they’re leaving behind broken glass and all sorts of litter, which would be horrible for anyone to deal with, but which is downright dangerous in a playground for young children.

“I can only appeal to those involved to think about their own families and younger siblings and then think about all the children’s lives they’re spoiling – children as young as four that they’re putting at risk and who now can’t use the facilities at their own school.

“Our janitor, parents and staff all work hard to clear the playground when that’s needed but none of us should have to do this.

“The school is working with colleagues in the education service, safer communities team and Police Scotland to take action against these vandals.

“I would also ask anyone living near the school to report any concerning activity to the police by calling 101 – which can be done completely anonymously. Together, we can put a stop to this unacceptable behaviour in our community.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said they were alerted at 7.18pm on Friday evening to reports of a wheelie bin on fire at a primary school in Fife.

“Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance to Preston Street, High Valleyfield, where firefighters extinguished the fire,” he said. “Crews left the scene after making the area safe.

“There were no casualties.”

Police Scotland said they were investigating the weekend's vandalism.

A spokesperson said: "This incident was not reported to police, but officers are looking into it. We would always urge people to report any crimes that take place, or pass on information regarding suspicious activity to their local police office through 101. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."