Messages of support for Ceara following weekend vandalism attack

The incident occurred just before 10pm on Saturday night, when the perpetrators broke into the building through the school’s kitchen windows.

“In this instance, the folk concerned limited their activity to the kitchen,” explained the school’s principal, Dr Peter Cunningham. “It’s a case of recreational vandalism. On the face of it, the damage doesn’t look too bad but, to take down the oven door and jump on it - a new industrial oven could cost £10,000.”

Sinn Féin Cllr Máire Cairns condemned the attack: “Over the years this school has been vulnerable to vandals on more than one occasion. This is totally unacceptable behaviour and those responsible must be brought to book. Ceara School does excellent work in our community.”

DUP Cllr Carla Lockhart commented: “I am utterly outraged that Ceara Special School has been the subject of extreme vandalism again. Ceara is a neutral space aimed at educating children and young people with special educational needs. These people should face the full rigours of the law.”

Fortunately the summer scheme scheduled for this week has not been impacted, and Dr Cunningham voiced his gratitude for the community’s support: “My phone hasn’t stopped from the good people of Lurgan and Craigavon. This crime is not a reflection of the young people in the area - hundreds of young people come to work in Ceara every year and do a great job.”

He also shared some good news: “We got word two weeks ago that our school extension was going to go ahead immediately - which is great!”

Police are appealing for information, particularly on a young male dressed in a red coloured hooded top, sighted in the area at the time. The number to ring is 101