Thieves steal minibus from a Sunderland school after £9,000 was raised by parents to buy it

It is believed that the incident happened between 5pm on Tuesday, July 21 and 6am on Wednesday, July 22.

The vehicle, which was taken from the school on Fulwell Road in Sunderland, has been described as silver with the school’s name on the side and the registration number is BF64 TFN.

It comes just a week after The Link School in Pallion reported three of their minibuses stolen.

Ann Blakey is the headteacher at St Benet’s, she has spoken about how disappointed she is following the incident.

She said: “I’m devastated that it has happened, we only got the bus just before lockdown. I’m so disappointed for the children who would have been able have access to the beautiful areas of our region.

“We bought it with the aim of keeping costs down and it hasn’t really been used that much since we got it.

"There is no excuse to steal from children so whoever has it, I would like them to give it back.”

The school’s parent teacher association (PTA) raised £9,000 since September last year to go towards the purchase of the minibus.

The PTA chairperson, Anna Maven has told the Echo how much effort went into raising the money.

She commented: "The plans had been in the pipeline for ages but in September we decided that we would really push to get it.

"We managed to hold fundraising events and even got support from local businesses.

“There is such a strong community at the school and so much effort was put into getting the minibus for the children.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “This morning (Wednesday) we received a report a minibus had been stolen from St Benet's primary school in Fulwell.

“It was reported the 14-seater bus had been taken from the secure school park at some point overnight.

“Inquiries to trace the vehicle and those responsible are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us via our website, using the Tell Us Something page quoting log 203 22/07/20.”

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