Community Rescue vehicle supposed to help save hundreds of people's lives for many years to come

Mrs Paula White, along with her pupils and staff, held various fundraising events and donated just under 7,000 to help buy the 50,000bus ‘to ensure something positive came out of James’s death’.

Speaking to the Times, Mrs White said: “Everyone is in complete shock and numb. The whole school is just guttered. Pupils and staff are totally disappointed at this sad act of mindless violence. The atmosphere and children are just bewildered. How do you explain to them why someone would do this?

“We raised just under 7,000 thanks to the support and generosity of the local people. I, along with four other members of staff plus members of James’s family and friends, also took part in a sponsored parachute to help the Community Rescue vehicle appeal.

“We’re all totally devastated how can someone simply destroy our hardwork in a moment and for what - nothing?”

Praising the commitment and dedication of the local community, Mrs White added: “The minute the local community heard about James they instantly pulled together as a unit to try to rescue him. Since then some have even joined the Community Rescue team. These people are volunteers who give up their time to get up in the middle of the night to jump into icy waters to save others.

“The local community are decent, good, hardworking and honest people who gave up their time and money to fundraise for this vehicle, so that something positive could come out of James’s death.

“The Community Rescue vehicle was supposed to help save hundreds of people’s lives for many years to come. But in a split second someone set fire to it and destroyed something so good.

“However, I truly believe once the initial shock and anger of the utter destruction is over, the local community will raise again and get a replacement. We’ve done it once and we’ll do it again.”