Main gates stolen from Cambian Group specialist school Southlands on Vicar’s Hill in Boldre

THIEVES ripped away the main gates of a New Forest specialist school for children with Asperger Syndrome, police have revealed.

Southlands School in Boldre was targeted on Sunday 21st January, and officers investigating the incident are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A social media post by local officers today (Monday) said: “Police have been made aware of an incident that happened on Sunday 21st January, where the main gates leading into Southlands School, Lymington, have been removed and stolen.

“We are appealing for any witnesses to help us with our enquiries.”

Run by the Cambrian Group, Southlands, on Vicar’s Hill, is an Ofsted-registered co-education specialist day and residential school with a registered children’s home.

Children and young people aged seven to 19 with a primary diagnosis of Autism are supported there with education and care.

The school also caters for youngsters whose profile of need can be successfully supported by the use of autism specialist strategies.

Its website states: “The purpose of the school is to prepare students for the demands of adult life through staff expertise and specialist approaches.

“This includes providing a nurturing environment that encourages students to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.”

The A&T has contacted the school for a comment about the gates theft.

Anyone with information should contact officers online at hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting crime reference number 44240032881.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.