WA News

Perth students told to stay home after vandals trash school

A high school in Perth's hills has told its students to stay home on Friday after vandals reportedly smashed between 100 and 250 windows and flooded the gymnasium overnight. 

Eastern Hills Senior High School in Mount Helena issued a notice on Friday morning telling parents there would be limited classes. 

Windows were smashed, computers destroyed and the gym flooded.
Windows were smashed, computers destroyed and the gym flooded.  Photo: WA Police

"If your child can stay at home, please do not send them to school," it said. 

The school has reportedly suffered flooding to its basketball area, gym and drama room. 

Windows smashed by vandals at the school.
Windows smashed by vandals at the school. Photo: WA Police

Police are appealing for information in relation to the vandalism.

"Between 11pm on Thursday 8 September and 12:30am Friday 9 September 2016, unknown offenders have smashed approximately 130 windows and numerous computers at the school," a police spokeswoman said.   

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"They have also flooded the gymnasium.

"Police would like to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of the school around the time of the incident who may have seen any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles in the area."

More than 100 windows were smashed and part of the school was flooded at the Mt Helena school.
More than 100 windows were smashed and part of the school was flooded at the Mt Helena school. Photo: James Mooney

Mundaring Police officer-in-charge, Jeff Taylor said CCTV footage showed two people smashing the windows in a "senseless" act of vandalism. 

"A significant amount of windows have been damaged on the north-eastern side of the school," he said. 

Eastern Hills Senior High School was vandalised overnight.
Eastern Hills Senior High School was vandalised overnight.  Photo: James Mooney

"They've turned on some fire fighting equipment, the fire hoses within the building, that's caused the flood damage."

Department of Education north metropolitan regional executive director Jim Webb said around 50 students had attended the school and were being supervised in an unaffected area of the school. 

"Vandalism of this scale is highly unusual and is upsetting for the whole school community who are very proud of their school," he said.

"All damaged areas of the school are cordoned off and police and a forensic team have attended the site.

"Repair work will be undertaken today so that classes can resume on Monday."

Grandfather Ian Dorrington said his twin granddaughters, who attend the school, were shocked by the damage. 

"I got a phone call about 10.20am to ask if I could pick my two granddaughters up from school," he said. 

"They're still in a bit of shock, they're probably happy to have the day off but they're sad too because they love the school.

"[The damage] is absolutely terrible because at the end of the day it's the tax payer that's got to pick up the bill."

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

More to come...