Tyres slashed on school buses

Staff at the centre labelled the attack 'diabolical'

Staff at a community minibus company are furious after vandals slashed the tyres on 12 vehicles, stopping them taking disabled children to school.

More than 30 tyres were slashed on the special buses, which are kitted out with equipment for wheelchairs.

Staff at Phoenix Community Transport, based in Pontllanfraith near Blackwood, have been helping out by taking children in their own cars.

It is not the first time the buses have been targeted.

Brian Hancock, former AM for Islwyn and acting general manager for the charity, said the damage was discovered at 0650 BST on Wednesday.

The vehicles, which were parked at Penmaen Small Business Centre in Penmaen Road, seemed to have been singled out.

PC Jeanette Pearce said the attack was 'very serious'

It meant the children, who are aged between four and 17, could not get to school on Wednesday.

"Lots of children have been disrupted and missed school," said Mr Hancock.

"These children, many with physical and mental disabilities, have missed out because of this mindless criminal event.

"This is about the seventh time this year - there is a litany to damage to our vehicles - air rifles, bricks through windows, fuel lines being cut - it is diabolical."

PC Jeanette Pearce from Gwent Police said it was "a very serious offence".

"It would appear the community vehicles were not the vehicles to be parked here overnight, and they have been targetted," she said.

The charity's transport manager Don Jones said the damage would take a long time to repair.

"It is 34 tyres - it will take most of two days," he said.

"It has affected us, but mostly it has affected the children."