Principal 'saddened and disgusted' following weekend vandalism attack on Derry school

Police in Derry are investigating a report of a burglary at a school on Trench Road in the Waterside at the weekend. 

It was reported to police shortly before 5.20am, that a classroom had been ransacked and significant damage was also caused to a memorial garden on the grounds of the Sacred Heart Primary School.

Posting on their school Facebook page, Mrs Louise Cunning principal, said: "As Principal, I am saddened and disgusted to report that our wonderful school was attacked by vandals last night who broke into our Foundation Stage building.

"The vandals specifically targeted the Year 1 area, causing damage within the classrooms and also to the main Year 1 doors, in their efforts to break into the school building.

"Over the past few weeks, we have dealt with isolated incidents of anti-social behaviour including empty bottles of alcohol being left behind our Sensory Room and throughout the school grounds; damage to the Year 1 and 2 storage shed, damage to play resources/equipment, spray painting of the bike shed, inappropriate messages being written on the ground/building and now this.

"The Police and all other relevant teams have been onsite this morning as we are determined to identify those responsible.

"Our intruder alarm triggered our own security and while they reacted immediately, we know that a vigilant member of the public had already raised the alarm with the Police. We are extremely thankful to this person for doing so.

"I am appealing to anyone who lives close by, who may have any information regarding this matter, to please come and speak with me. If you saw anything suspicious over the weekend or have any relevant dashcam footage, CCTV/Ring doorbells at house doors etc that may be able to identify the intruders, we would be very grateful to have this. We are extremely interested in any footage which may have been recorded between the hours of 6pm last night and 6am this morning.

"I would urge everyone to remain extra vigilant when around school and to contact the Police on 101 should you witness any trespassing or anything suspicious.

"We are committed to providing a safe environment for our students, and these senseless acts of vandalism are unacceptable. It is disheartening that our school, part of such a strong and supportive community, has now become a target. Our children should not suffer from such actions.

"School will be taking further action to prevent such acts and to protect the premises as well as providing increased protection for all; pupils, parents/guardians, staff and visitors. Let’s work together to prevent future incidents and continue to make our community a safe, welcoming place for all. Thank you for your ongoing support!"

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A PSNI spokesperson said: "It was reported to police on Sunday, December 8, shortly before 5.20am, that a classroom had been ransacked and toys and paperwork had been thrown around the classroom. Significant damage was also caused to a memorial garden on the grounds of the school. It's believed this may have occurred sometime between 4.45am and 5.20am on Sunday. 

"Enquiries are ongoing. 

"Police appeal to anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area to call 101, quote reference 351 of 08/12/24. 

"You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."