Three minibuses belonging to a Middlesbrough special educational needs school have been vandalised days before the start of the new term. Priory Woods School and Arts College, which supports children with severe and profound learning difficulties, said two people were captured on CCTV entering the school site between 6pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, August 20.
Damage and impact
The pair damaged three of the school’s five minibuses, smashing windows and lights and damaging interiors and electrical systems. The school has shared the footage with Cleveland Police.
With only two vehicles still operational, staff have said that trips and community activities for pupils will be significantly limited at the beginning of term.
Reaction from the community
Tony Wedlake, founder of the Teesside Family Foundation, which previously donated £30,000 towards one of the damaged minibuses, said the attack was “heartbreaking”.
He told the BBC: “These aren’t simply three damaged minibuses – for the children who attend the school, they are a lifeline.
“They allow children with special educational needs and disabilities to access opportunities and experiences that many of us take for granted, whether that’s visiting the woods or the beach, going to the theatre, enjoying a theme park or simply getting out into the community.”
Parent Chrissie Madden, whose child attends the school, said staff “go above and beyond” and added that she could not understand why anyone would target the transport used by the pupils.
Context and next steps
The incident comes during a period of heightened tension in parts of Middlesbrough and the surrounding area. Seven people, including two police officers, died in a crash on the A66 at South Bank on Saturday.
A house fire in Grangetown on Wednesday killed a woman and a seven-year-old girl. Further incidents, including a house being rammed and a stabbing, have also been reported.
More than 200 extra police officers have been brought in from other forces to support the Cleveland Police.
Cleveland Police have been approached for comment. No arrests have yet been reported in connection with the vandalism at the school.
Priory Woods, which is less than two miles from Grangetown, is assessing repair costs and considering how best to maintain activities for its pupils in the short term.
