School closed after vandalism attack

A Co Down school was forced to partially close today after vandals went on the rampage.

Fourteen portable classrooms, a canteen and an office were damaged during the attack on Bangor Academy in the town’s Castle Street, police said.

Students at the school’s Castle campus were forced to stay at home as urgent repairs were carried out.

School principal William Hyndman said: ‘‘We had to stop our children coming in today because the entire area is unsafe.’’

One man has been arrested following last night’s attack which may have caused serious damage to GCSE and sixth form coursework.

The school first opened in January last year following the merger between Bangor High School and Gransha High School.

A second campus just under two miles away was operating as usual.

According to Mr Hyndman the disruption at the Castle campus would not extend beyond today.

‘‘We are doing a major clean up and when that clean up is completed then we will get the area back into order for the school reopening tomorrow.’’