Memorial to 183 Sunderland children who died in Victoria Hall Disaster smashed up by vandals

A glass panel which is part of the memorial was smashed overnight.

The monument, which stands in Mowbray Park, pays tribute to 183 youngsters who were killed in a crush when toys were being handed out at a childrens variety show, on June 16, 1883.

More than 2,000 people were present for the show, which sadly turned to tragedy.

A door in the hall at the bottom of the stairs from the gallery had been bolted ajar, leaving just enough space – 22 inches – for one person to squeeze through at a time

Many Sunderland families lost two or more children, and all 30 from one Sunday School party were killed.

No-one was ever blamed for the bolting of the door, despite two inquests being held, although a lack of caretakers to “preserve order” was criticised by officials.

The tribute was put inside the glass casing after it was vandalised.

Echo reader Daniel Linton snapped a picture of the damage.

He said: “Walking through Mowbray Park today and someone has smashed the glass of the Victoria Hall memorial, disgusting considering what it stands for.”