THREE youths have been charged  with deliberately setting fires and damaging a ventilation system at a Paisley school.

The trio were identified by cops after St Catherine’s Primary School in Gallowhill reported problems with “continual” vandalism this week.

Staff at the school put out on social media that CCTV cameras and the ventilation system had been damaged while bins and the secret garden had been set alight.

Police confirmed the incidents actually occurred last month, but were not reported to them until this week.

Officers said the three youths have been charged in relation to the bin fires and damaging the ventilation, but enquiries are ongoing around the damage to the CCTV. The blaze in the garden was not reported as a crime.

A staff member at the school said on Twitter: “We are having continual problems with vandalism and regular disturbances at our school. Recently, we have had damage to our CCTV cameras, ventilation system and our bins and secret garden have been set on fire. I have been made aware that this is an issue across our community.

“Can I please ask you to contact the police if you have an issue? Together we may be able to attract a greater police presence in our community.”

Cops have confirmed they are now working with Renfrewshire Council and the school to prevent further incidents.

Chief Inspector Jim Cast, area commander for Renfrewshire, said: “St Catherine’s had a few incidents of youth disorder during the first part of the year, which resulted in no crime being reported.

“However, this week there have been reports of damage caused to an extractor/ventilator fan, a wheelie bin set on fire and damage to CCTV, which had occurred the previous month.

“We will be paying particular attention to this school out of usual business hours but also request that if any member of the public has any information that would assist to contact us.”

Councillor Jim Paterson, who represents the area, added: “It’s terrible to hear vandals have caused damage to St Catherine’s Primary. If you have any information please contact police.”

Council bosses confirmed there has been a clean-up operation at the school and assured parents it would be open as normal for children returning after the October break.

A council spokesman said: “The school has been tidied up and will be safe and operational for pupils and staff returning after the October break.”

Anyone who witnesses vandalism in the Gallowhill area is being urged to contact police on 101.