A HEADMISTRESS confronted a man who went on the rampage at her school, smashing 29 windows.

St Mary's Hall School in Brighton was closed today after last night's vandalism spree.

Headmistress Susan Meek was in the school grounds when she heard the sound of breaking glass.

She said: "At first I thought it was children but as I got closer I could see a man using a metal pipe to smash windows on the pre-prep school building.

"But what really upset me was the glass was cutting his wrists and there was blood everywhere but he just didn't seem to care."

Mrs Meek, 49, who has been headmistress for two years, added: "I just knew he had to be stopped before he did more damage to himself.

"I shouted 'What do you think you're doing? I'm going to call the police' but he didn't listen."

When police arrived at the school in Eastern Road, Brighton, it took five officers to restrain the man.

No pupils at the independent girls' school were in the building when the attack happened.

A total of 29 windows, worth thousands of pounds, were broken in the attack on Gloucester House and the pre-prep school was closed today while repairs are carried out.

Bursar Chris Elkins said: "The building is well equipped and the children think of it as home.

"We don't want them to see it like this, with blood and glass everywhere."

ASussex Police spokesman said: "Mrs Meek was very brave and we commend her actions.

"However, we would urge people not to approach people who are displaying violent behaviour."

A London man in his mid-thirties has been bailed to return to Brighton Police station on June 9.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.