Blackfield School says there will be police patrols after vandals strike

Yobs repeatedly struck at Blackfield Primary School over half term, with its “Harry Potter” bus – which is being converted into a library – suffering severe damage.

It is believed they targeted the site four times in a week.

The Hampton Lane school will open as normal after the holidays this morning, but has warned that patrols will be stepped up in the wake of the destruction.

In a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page, a spokesman said: “During half term some mindless vandals have decided to cause damage to our lovely school.

“Windows have been smashed and outdoor equipment has been set on fire.

“I’ve always said that this is our school. A community school. A lot of people have worked tirelessly to make the school a welcoming place for our children and this breaks my heart.”

The school is now increasing its security to help prevent a further attack.

The spokesman said: “We have now installed a fully operational CCTV across the whole site and police and security will be patrolling 24 hours.

“Most sadly to report is our Harry Potter Knight Bus project has taken severe damage. Such a shame that hooligans would ruin something that would bring so much pleasure to our children.

“We will not be defeated.”

The site team has now cleared up the mess and the school is due to be open as normal to pupils today.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police told the Daily Echo last night: “The most recent incident was reported to us just before 4.45am on Saturday and happened sometime after 6pm on Friday evening.

“This report relates to toys and wellington boots set alight on a paved area on school grounds near the main building.

“This is the fourth incident of damage at this school during the last week; the previous three incidents have related to damage to a bus which was purchased to turn into a library.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting 44170209546.