North Belfast school ransacked by vandals

A north Belfast school was extensively damaged by vandals last night, with up to 22 classrooms being ransacked.

A north Belfast school was extensively damaged by vandals last night, with up to 22 classrooms being ransacked.

Computer equipment, furniture and doors were damaged and a CCTV camera and alarm destroyed at the Mount Gilbert Community College in Ballygomartin Road.

A PSNI spokesman said it was believed three men in their late teens or early twenties were responsible.  They also smashed open a drinks vending machine and stole the cash inside.

It was not immediately clear whether the damage was too extensive for the school to be able to reopen for the new term on time next week.

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The Department of Education condemned the attack as "totally unacceptable".

"All children have the right to the best education that we can provide, which includes good, modern and safe schools," a spokesman said.

"Such wanton destruction causes distress and dismay to children, parents and teachers alike. It is everyone's responsibility in our society to condemn incidents such as these."