'Cruel' act as charity's minibus stolen and burned

The charity thanked crews from Broughton Fire Station in Milton Keynes, and Thames Valley Police who attended

A charity caring for adults with learning disabilities said its only minibus had been stolen and then set alight.

The wheelchair accessible bus, belonging to Camphill Milton Keynes, was found burnt out on Willen Road in the city.

"Our residents are deeply saddened by the treatment of their wheelchair-accessible bus. It's cruel," the charity wrote in a social media post.

Head of development Lucy Davies said the local community had allied round: "Lots of people have been very supportive - we're seeing incredible generosity from people."

The minibus was "critical" as it was used by people to get to medical appointments, therapeutic and social activities, and trips out.

"We operate on a couple of sites, and not all residents can walk or cycle between them, so they use that– it's our only accessible vehicle," said Ms Davies.

Camphill supports adults with learning disabilities, many of whom live on site

She said they discovered the minibus had been stolen on 9 October.

"Our voluntary driver found the minibus was not where he'd left it – there were just some metal shavings on the floor," Ms Davies said.

The charity assumed it had been stripped for parts before being set alight.

Ms Davies said: "The biggest shock is for our 81 residents, as familiarity is very important to them.

"It's a shock to find someone has been into an area that is their safe space, where they normally wander freely without risk."

The minibus was used by people with learning disabilities in Milton Keynes

Camphill MK appealed for funds, saying that even with insurance they would "never recover the full cost of replacement of this vital equipment".

"It is a shock that someone would target a charity, and in particular a vehicle that offers transport to those in wheelchairs," it added.