Thieves steal bikes from Telford school

Thieves smashed their way into a Telford school and stole mountain bikes worth more than £4,000 from special needs students.

The theft on Tuesday has left teachers and children at Mount Gilbert School in Dawley, deeply upset.

School business manager Nikki Venables, said the 12 bikes were used by students in clubs and lessons. She said it would be difficult to replace the bikes or the da- maged container they were kept in because of the cost.

She said: "Our students used the bikes not only to get out and about and enjoy the fresh air but also in repair workshops, they learned how the bikes worked. Something similar to this also happened a few years ago.

"But now 12 out of the 14 we had have been stolen, this will have a big effect on the children. They loved those bikes."

The Hinkshay Road school teaches children aged 11 to 16 with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.

Police spokesman Christopher Ammonds said the thieves took 12 GT Aggressor bikes between 9.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday.

"Forensic teams are looking at these bikes for any possible leads," he said. "We are investigating the matter and want to hear from anybody who has information." Call 0300 333 3000.