Memorial to 183 Sunderland children who died in Victoria Hall Disaster smashed up by vandals
Vandals have attacked a historic memorial which commemorates the lives of more than 180 Sunderland children killed in the Victoria Hall Disaster.
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.”