A DARLINGTON school has been left reeling after vandals launched a sickening attack on its premises, including the cruel killing of a hedgehog and theft of equipment.

Beaumont Hill Academy, which has a greenhouse and dedicated gardening area, has been left shocked after vandals entered the school grounds over two nights, this week.

There, it is alleged vandals destroyed what the children had created, stole special scooters and went to extreme lengths by killing a hedgehog with garden tools.

Last night, a crowdfunding page set up to help support the school saw hundreds raised as the attacks were widely condemned by the public and RSPCA.

The Northern Echo: The criminal damage occurred over two nights. Picture: ADRAIN LYNCHThe criminal damage occurred over two nights. Picture: ADRAIN LYNCH

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During the incidents, the intruders broke the doors of the greenhouse, damaged wooden panels, plants and overturned planters.

It had recently been donated to the school by Mitie in a bid to help make the area a more pleasant place for pupils to enjoy.

The whole area, and especially the ruthless killing of the hedgehog, required lots of cleaning up before the children arrived to prevent further distress.

And in true Beaumont Hill spirit, the community has been quick to offer their support, with offers from businesses and tradespeople to help in the clean-up and repairs.

The Northern Echo: The children were upset about the damage. Picture: ADRIAN LYNCHThe children were upset about the damage. Picture: ADRIAN LYNCH

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Adrian Lynch, Principal of Beaumont Hill Academy, told The Northern Echo: “I am overwhelmed by the support of the community which has really rallied round the school once again.  

"We were all so disappointed to find the damage that had been done. Horticulture is part of the curriculum, and the children spend a lot of time making the area lovely, so to have it vandalised was so upsetting.

“We are so pleased to see the Beaumont Hill spirit emerging again, the resilience of the children who have already tided the area and put it back in good working order. With the help of local businesses and the facilities management company, Mitie, we will be able to replace all of the specialist scooters that were stolen and make the area better than ever.”

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A spokesperson from Durham Constabulary said: “Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage at Beaumont Hill Academy, on Salters Lane South, Darlington.

“The incident was reported to police on May 3 but is believed to have happened sometime between Sunday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 3.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is an extremely concerning incident and we would urge anyone with information about what happened to this poor hedgehog to please contact the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”

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