DEVASTATED pupils and staff at a Stourport school have been left without vital transport after thieves stole wheels from a minibus.

The offenders broke into the grounds of St Bartholomew’s Primary School in Princess Way, Stourport by cutting through perimeter fencing before stealing five wheels from the minibus after forcing their way into the secure compound where it was kept – leaving staff counting the cost of the damage.

This incident, which took place between 6pm on Friday (November 21) and 5pm on Sunday, is the second time in five years that St Bartholomew’s minibus has been targeted by thieves.

Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses and information to help catch the culprits.

St Bartholomew’s provides a school meal service for both St Wulstan’s and Lickhill Primary Schools, which the minibus delivers. The bus also ferries pupils to and from weekly sporting fixtures.

The school is now having to pay for taxis and coaches as a temporary alternative for the foreseeable future while the minibus is out of action.

The bill for replacing the wheels and repairing all the damage caused, as well as the cost of providing alternative transport, will now come out of the school’s budget.

Head teacher Susan Helps said the children, staff and wider community had been saddened by the incident.

She said: “The children have been really upset to find that over the weekend their mini-bus has been damaged and the wheels stolen. “They cannot believe that someone would be so destructive, causing damage to their mini-bus. If anyone knows anything about this incident, then please inform the police.”

Wyre Forest Police Inspector Edd Williams said: We are appealing to the public for any witnesses or anyone with information on this incident.

“There is a strong chance that someone would have seen or heard something and we would ask them, or anyone who is offered spare tyres to contact us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote reference 510S 231114 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.