Yobs leave £8,000 trail of destruction after going on the rampage at primary school
Staff left distraught after discovering wrecking spree at Northumberland Academy on first day of term
VANDALS left a trail of destruction after causing thousands of pounds of damage at a primary school.
Three minibuses, an outdoor classroom and a greenhouse were wrecked at Morpeth Road Primary Academy in Blyth, Northumberland, during the summer holidays.
The school’s executive headteacher Mike Bell said the estimates £8,000 cost of repairing the damage could put planned trips for the pupils at risk.
He said: “This is just mindless damage, and in 15 years as head teacher at Morpeth Road I have never experienced this amount of vandalism ever.
“I am totally disgusted that people could do this to a school who care and give so much to our families.”
During the crime spree, the yobs smashed the windscreens and the wing mirrors of three minibuses, which are used to take children on trips.
One of the early years’ playhouses was set on fire, while the other had its locks broken.
The vandals then smashed all the windows of the treehouse, damaged the outdoor classroom and set fire to the teaching greenhouse.
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Mike added: “The mood was really low among staff when they came in on Monday morning and saw the damage.
“We work hard to give the children the best opportunities and they love coming to school, so it is hard when we are targeted by mindless thugs.”
Pupils and their parents have now rallied around the school to raise the cash needed to repair the damage.
Brian Wardle set up a crowdfunding page and the pupils are planning a variety of fundraisers, including a sponsored haircut.
He said: “We have had overwhelming support from the community – it has been unbelievable.
“It goes to show how much the children care and respect the school and how heartwarming the community is.”
Northumbria Police is now investigating a number of reports of criminal damage at the school.
Neighbourhood Inspector Grant Dawson said: “We are carrying out enquiries and our officers have been highly visible in the area to offer reassurances and deter anyone from targeting the premises again.
“Criminal damage may seem like nothing at the time, but this has left the school with a lengthy repair bill and has caused unnecessary distress for those who work there.
“Our officers will continue to work tirelessly to pursue those responsible and will be helping the school put measures in place to stop this happening again in the future.”
Any witnesses are asked to call police on 101 quoting the reference 168 06/09/16.
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