MLA says Garvagh vandals must be identified

Adrian McQuillan says there is no place in the town for those responsible for the criminal damage to Garvagh High School.

Ninety-seven windows were broken at the school sometime between 3.30pm on Friday, August 27 and 10am the next day.

The damage has been estimated in the region of 10,000 to 15,000.

Mr McQuillan, who visited the school personally to see the scale of the destruction, said: "I would urge the community to come forward and tell the police what they know.

"We want to see the people reponsible for this to be made amenable. We want to send a message out that these people are not welcome in Garvagh."

On the wider issue of police resources, Mr McQuillan called for more PSNI officers to be designated to cover the town.

"I would like to see at least two more police here, bringing the number to six - three shifts of two officers," he added.

Detective Inspector Sean Fitzpatrick said police were committed to finding the culprits.

"We are continuing with our investigation and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything or has information about this incident to come forward.

"We are determined to apprehend those responsible and deal with them through the courts."

A team of glaziers worked over the weekend of the attack to repair the windows in advance of 16 new first year pupils beginning their secondary school life last Tuesday morning.

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to contact Coleraine police station on 0845 600 8000.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.