A charity is “incredibly disappointed and saddened” to learn a minibus it donated to a SEND school in Woking has been stolen and stripped by heartless criminals.

There has been an outpouring of support for The Park School as two of their three minibuses were stolen following a break-in around 8.30pm on Sunday, March 15.

The buses were found the next day at Pyrford Recreation Ground after being stripped of their engines and parts in a huge blow for the specialist school and its pupils.

The school, which provides education and support for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and additional needs, said the minibuses were used to take students to local clubs, gyms, sports fixtures and trips.

While insurance will cover the cost of replacing one of the buses, they have launched an online appeal to replace the second with nearly £5,000 of the £25,000 target already donated by well-wishers.

A spokesperson said: “Our students love going offsite as it brings the curriculum to life and supports their preparation for adulthood.

“Unfortunately, our insurance payout only covers the cost of replacing one bus, so we need to fundraise £25,000 for the other one. If anyone can support us with donations, we would be incredibly grateful.”

One of the buses was donated by Lords Taverner’s, a cricket and disability sports charity, to help The Park School give pupils the increased capability to access their local communities and gain more life experiences.

A spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly disappointed and saddened to see that a minibus we have donated to a SEND school in the past has been treated in this way.

“Many young people with a disability have benefited hugely from the personal development opportunities the minibuses have helped deliver.”

The spokesperson added: “We are not aware of any past instances of our donated minibuses being stolen or treated in this way and sincerely hope that staff and pupils at the school in question haven’t been negatively impacted by this incident.

“We send our thoughts to the organisations affected by this, and hope that they can still access everything they used the adapted minibus for when they were in possession of them.”

Three people are believed to have taken part in the theft of the minibuses from the school on Onslow Crescent with Surrey Police since launching an investigation and appeal for information.

A spokesperson said: “The theft took place at around 8.30pm on Sunday, 15 March and involved three suspects.

“The two minibuses were later recovered stripped of key parts in Pyrford Recreation Ground.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, including house to house, however if you witnessed this incident or have any information that may help our investigation, please contact us quoting PR/45260030385 via 101.”

Witnesses or anyone with information or potential dashcam footage can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Donations for the minibus appeal can be made by searching for ‘The Park School Stolen Minibuses’ on www.gofundme.com