Police are appealing for information after a special school minibus was targeted by diesel thieves in Preston.

The offence took place overnight on Tuesday 22nd January at the Royal Cross Primary School on Elswick Road at Larches and was discovered on Wednesday morning.

The offenders have drilled a hole in the diesel tank to steal around £50 of fuel rendering the minibus useless.

Community Beat Manager for Larches and Savick PC Lawrence Thorniley said: “Royal Cross is a school for deaf children and it is appalling that the school has been targeted in this way.

“Obviously this comes at a greater cost than just the loss of diesel as the fuel tank is rendered useless and has to be replaced at a cost of £500. Sadly the school is a repeat victim, the same offence having occurred in May 2012.

“During these days of financial constraint the school has very difficult decisions to make and this setback may result in the school having to part with the vehicle due to lack of funds for the repair and other running costs.

“I’d appeal to anybody with any information about this offence to come forward and contact Lancashire Police on 101.”

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.