A SECONDARY school has been forced to close for a day after being hit by criminal damage over the weekend.

Rainford High said the school would be shut on Monday due to a “significant amount of criminal damage caused by unidentified individuals”.

In a letter sent to parents, which has been shared with the Star, head teacher Ian Young said he was “extremely disappointed” to have to share the news.

The school has been working with the police since Saturday evening.

Due to the investigation, the scale of the clean up operation required and health and safety issues caused by the vandalism, the school has taken to the decision to close to all age groups on Monday.

However, a year 13 criminology exam will go ahead and students will be contacted individually about details.

Mr Young added that the intention is to reopen the school on Tuesday, with parents set to be notified prior to 2.30pm on Monday, November 27.

The head teacher thanked parents and children for their understanding during a “challenging time”.

The incident is the latest crime to have hit the village in recent weeks.

Residents have raised concerns with the Star about break-ins at businesses and homes over the past month.