Three boys arrested for Rustington school vandalism

Shortly before midnight on Thursday (January 3) officers received a call reporting that a shed on the grounds at Summerlea Primary School, in Windsor Drive, had been damaged and a classroom window smashed.

Speaking to the Gazette this morning, the school’s head teacher, Jane Blackman, said: “It was mindless vandalism.

“It was shocking to see it initially. Paint had been thrown all over the back of the school.

“A paint pot had smashed one of the Year-three’s classroom windows and paint and glass had gone everywhere.

“Games equipment was broken and strewn everywhere and damage had been done to the children’s Bronze age and Saxon huts, one of our sheds and some of our gardening equipment.”

She added that pupils were visibly shocked when they were informed about the incident, earlier this week.

“We held an assembly on Monday and told all the children then,” said Mrs Blackman.

“They were incredibly shocked. There was a sudden intake of breath when they heard.”

Three boys aged 15, 16 and 17 have all been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary and have been bailed until February 11, pending further enquiries.

The damage to the school has since been repaired. However, the financial cost is yet to be counted.

“We could be left with a bill for £100s because of the damage,” Mrs Blackman added.

“We had to pay for all our cleaning materials, paint and all the toys which have been damaged.

“It’s certainly caused us a lot of disruption.”

PC Dave Slade of West Sussex response investigation team said: “The damage done has been very disruptive for the school and I would like to thank the member of the public who contacted police during the incident so that we were able to ensure the school was secured.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1607 of 3/1 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.