Police investigating after primary school closed over ‘mindless’ vandal attack (original) (raw)

A Welsh primary school closed following a "mindless" attack by vandals. Parents and guardians of pupils at Alway Primary School in Newport were contacted on Monday morning to be told governors had no choice but to close the school due to the amount of damage caused in the incident on Sunday, September 22.

Pictures from the scene taken by local councillor Deb Harvey showed the scale of the damage. Liquid had been poured on the floor, tables had been overturned, a traffic stop sign had been put through one of the doors, and windows had been smashed. Technical equipment had also been damaged in the costly attack on the school where money was also taken from the school piggy bank.

In a statement on Monday the school said the premises would need to be closed off until at least Tuesday to clean up the mess. “The safety and wellbeing of our children is our top priority,” they said. “We are working diligently to clean up and assess the damage, which unfortunately includes significant mindless vandalism across various areas of the school.”

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Liquid was poured on the floor and windows were smashed in the awful vandalism (Image: Cllr Deb Harvey)

The school reopened on Tuesday morning, Newport city council confirmed. A spokesman for Gwent Police said the force continues to investigate. "We’re investigating a report of break-in and criminal damage at Alway Primary School," they said.

"The report was received at around 8.50pm on Sunday, September 22, and the alleged break-in is believed to have taken place between 7pm and 8pm that day. Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 101 or message us via the website or social media quoting log reference 2400317558.”

It isn't clear why the school was attacked (Image: Cllr Deb Harvey)

Technical equipment had also been damaged during the 'mindless' incident (Image: Cllr Deb Harvey)

Councillor Deb Davies, the council’s cabinet member for education, called on the public to help the police with the investigation. "We share the school and the community’s shock at what has happened and absolutely condemn this criminal behaviour,” she said.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information about the incident to contact the police. I hope that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. Such behaviour will not be tolerated in Newport."

Cables had also been cut during the attack on Sunday (Image: Cllr Deb Harvey)

In a statement on Monday the school said the premises would need to be closed off until at least Tuesday to clean up the mess (Image: Cllr Deb Harvey)

Cllr Harvey commended the community in Alway for “pulling together as always”. “They went back on Tuesday but couldn't have a hot meal – it was sandwiches due to the state of the canteen," she said.

"I have to say the estate has pulled together as always and are fundraising with cake sales. Alway FC have offered £50 to put in. We are speaking to the school about a GoFundMe page.

"The residents have really pulled together. Myself and my colleagues Tim and Sara Robinson have pledged to replace the piggy banks and the cash that was taken. Out of this mess Alway has rallied as they always do."

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