NT Police are searching for vandals in Tennant Creek they believe have hands and clothing stained with blue, orange or white paint after spray-painting a local school and causing other damage.

Police said some time between 5:30pm on Monday and 7am the next morning, a group broke into a “building site at a local school” and stole “a number of items” before causing extensive damage to the walls of the buildings and school grounds with spray and enamel paint.

“Police believe that the persons responsible are likely to have hands and clothing that have been stained with either blue, orange or white paint,” a press release stated.

“This mindless vandalism is incredibly disappointing and a police investigation is currently underway,” said Senior Sergeant Crispin Gargan.

“We are urging anyone with information to make contact with police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, please quote reference 9736117.”