POLICE are investigating after thugs smashed their way into the North West Learning and Disability Centre on the cityside of Derry.
The vandals smashed a door to the premises run by charity Destined and proceeded to wreck the kitchen and also start a fire.
Sergeant Hughes of PSNI Foyle said: “At around 7:10am, it was reported that entry was gained to a property in the area. Two fires were reported in both the kitchen and under the stairs of the premises.
“Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fires. No one was inside the property at the time of the incident.
“Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the incident is being treated as deliberate ignition.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 350 29/02/20.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Karen Mullan visited the scene and said: “I am angry this morning to visit Destined after a break in and fire in their new building.
“The criminals that did this also wrecked the brand new kitchen in the cafe.
Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Karen Mullan
“The community will be rightly devastated.
“Anyone with any information should contact the PSNI.
“And any businesses or groups with camera footage along the Foyle Road should also contact the PSNI.”
Destined provides services to around 200 people with learning disabilities, from birth to old-age.
