UPDATED: A 12-year-old boy is in custody after Malak Primary was closed for the day due to “extensive damage from vandals”, with school officials deeming the premises “unsafe” and sending students who had already arrived back home on Wednesday morning.

The decision to close the school was made just before 8:30am, after children had either been dropped off or were on their way.

“Due to the extensive damage, our facilities and classrooms have been deemed unsafe and we must close the school today to carry out repairs,” a message to parents from school officials stated.

“The safety and wellbeing of students and staff are always our highest priority.”

Police later said a 12-year-old boy was apprehended in connection to the vandalism and that they had been made aware of the unlawful entry around 7:30am.

They said items were also stolen from the school but did not offer a descirption or the value of goods stolen.

“Strike Force Trident are currently investigating and a 12-year-old male is currently in custody, with a number of items recovered,” police said.

They did not say if they are looking for others who may have been involved.

It remains unclear what the extent of the damage is or how long the school will stay closed.

There are roughly 200 children enrolled at the school.