Vandalised school to reopen as fundraiser started

Caroline Gall
BBC News, West Midlands
City of Wolverhampton Council A TV hung on a wall is smashed in several places.City of Wolverhampton Council
Televisions were smashed and equipment damaged in the vandalism spree last week

A school targeted by vandals in a "violent rampage" that caused damage estimated at £100,000 is to reopen.

Green Park School and nearby Stowlawn Primary School in Bilston were broken into and vandalised last Thursday before the intruders were disturbed by a caretaker and fled the scene.

Staff have returned to Stowlawn on Wednesday in preparation for it to fully open on Thursday, the council said. Green Park reopened on Tuesday.

Two teenagers arrested over the incident have since been released on bail. A fundraiser has also been set up to help both schools.

City of Wolverhampton Council A sink has been smashed with piece of concrete missing and damage in the inside.City of Wolverhampton Council
Two teenagers arrested over the incident have been released on bail pending further inquiries

The vandals smashed computer equipment, doors and whiteboards. They also let off fire extinguishers and attempted to start fires inside the schools which are both on the same road.

A GoFundMe page set up by Linda Leach said the community was "deeply upset" by the damage and appealed for donations to replace equipment.

"These schools are more than just buildings - they are places of learning, growth, and community. To see it disrespected like this is painful," she said.

"This fundraiser is being set up to show the students, teachers, and staff that we support them.

"Acts of destruction will never overpower the spirit of education and unity that lives within those walls."

West Midlands Police said on Monday a 15 and 16-year-old were arrested on suspicion of burglary over the weekend and had since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

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