A man wearing a hooded top took a chainsaw to a school climbing frame that parents had claimed was dangerous.

Although some parents applauded the attack, Jan Bonus, the headteacher at Stogursey primary school, Somerset, said that pupils were upset by the destruction of the frame, which had stood in the playground for almost 20 years.

Parents said that several children had been hurt swinging from the bars and last term a girl broke her arm after losing her grip, triggering a petition for the frame’s removal.

The man was seen attacking the wooden frame at 8.20pm last Wednesday. He produced the chainsaw from the back of his Rover and began chopping the frame into pieces.

Marcus Maynard, whose son attends the school, said: “We’ve been saying for a few years that the monkey bars are dangerous. They are too high, particularly for very young children. I know this person should not have taken matters into his own hands, but at least we’re not sitting at home and praying our children will be OK now.”

The climbing frame stood on a raised rubber safety mat and was inspected every three months by a safety officer from Somerset County Council.

Ms Bonus said: “I am appalled that someone could break in and create this havoc. The children were devastated when they came in the next morning . . . If parents want to make representations to us in writing, we always consider them. We don’t know who has done this, but when we find out we will press charges.”

She said that the frame met safety standards. “I know one pupil broke her arm when she fell off but a boy broke his finger playing football as well.”

Times Recommends

• Donor organ allowed child’s own heart to heal
• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating