A PRIMARY school was systematically trashed by vengeful vandals - angry because there was nothing left to steal.

They smashed their way into the Deans School, Swinton, took an axe to doors, sprayed fire extinguishers and demolished everything they could throw.

''The damage was frankly amazing to behold,'' said stunned head teacher Frances Hartley.

All that was taken was a video - largely because everything of value has already been accounted for in eight previous raids on consecutive weekends.

Chairman of governors Paul Naylor said: ''The extent of the damage on this occasion goes far beyond anything we have suffered before.

''It was probably because they were furious when they found there was nothing worth stealing.

''We know we are not suffering alone. Many schools in the area have been attacked recently by thieves and vandals.''

'Under siege'

Swinton police station is just 200 yards from the school in Vicarage Road, but the head says they have felt ''under siege'' for over a year.

Workmen are fitting security shutters to every door and window but the job is not yet completed.

During the previous burglaries all the school's computers, worth thousands of pounds, were taken. But with little of value left, the weekend raiders concentrated on wanton destruction, even emptying a giant fish tank in the entrance hall which was a favourite with the 240 pupils.

Last month police revealed they suspect a professional gang of thieves being behind the spate of computer burglaries, with more than 100 primary and high schools in Salford raided in the past four months.

Crisis talks

Crisis talks are being held between police, education bosses and security consultants in a bid to tackle the problem.

Two gangs are thought to have been behind the burglaries. One is suspected of being a group of juveniles, but the other, which often gains access by going through the roofs of premises, is thought to be a well-organised team.

Supt Jack Dees, head of Swinton police, said: ''We do have a problem with burglaries at schools across the city and we are addressing it by a variety of measures.

''We have had some success in arresting culprits, but it is obvious more than one team is involved.

''There is additional money being made available for school protection and we are working with the schools to make sure this is made a priority and that state-of-the-art security is introduced.''