Vandals strike at Worcester adult respite centre

Richard Whateley and Alison Cook, respectively CEO and client care development manager, were faced with "wrecked" minibuses on Monday morning

Staff at a respite centre for adults with learning difficulties have been left in tears after vandals ruined the first day in new premises.

Building windows were smashed and minibuses "wrecked" at The Myriad Centre on Goodrest Close, Worcester.

Staff said they were "absolutely devastated" to have been targeted after discovering the damage at 07:00 BST on Monday.

West Mercia Police said investigations into the incident were ongoing.

Keith Beck, transport manager, arrived at the site on Monday to find vehicles had been damaged

Richard Whateley, centre CEO, said vandals had "completely wrecked" two of the centre's purpose-built minibuses used to transport people for care.

Staff had just moved into the new building, which faced being temporarily closed for the next few days while new vehicles were found and damage repaired.

"What it meant this morning was that we couldn't run our service," Mr Whateley said on Monday.

"It's devastating for us and it's devastating for the families."

Keith Beck, transport manager, found a smashed windscreen on arrival to the site. Vehicle tyres were also slashed.

"How on earth people can do that when we've got a sign on the vehicle there saying we deal with people with disabilities," he said.

"The [people that did this are] the lowest of the lowest. I know it sounds soppy, but I had a tear or two because I know the impact this is going to have on our clients."

Vandals smashed windows of the building on Goodrest Close

Mr Beck said about 16 people who required respite care relied on the centre's services.

"It is their way, really, of trying to live a normal life," he explained. "All of them, bar two, are in wheelchairs."

The centre is appealing for donations for help online.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "We received a call this morning around 06:45 BST with a report of vandalism at The Myriad Centre in Worcester.

"Officers attended to find damage to two vehicles and the building."