Charity 'deeply disappointed' by office vandalism

Ethan Gudge
BBC News, Oxford
Yellow Submarine Two glass doors smashed.Yellow Submarine
Two glass doors at the charity's office have been damaged

A charity that helps people with learning disabilities and autism has been left "deeply disappointed" after one of its sites was vandalised.

Yellow Submarine said two glass doors at its Oxford café and office had been smashed over the bank holiday weekend.

The charity, which also has a site in Witney, said it was "exploring options" to repair the damage and had reported the incident to the police.

Having shared images of the vandalism on social media, it said it had been "overwhelmed" by the support from the community.

Yellow Submarine The front of Yellow Submarine in Oxford.Yellow Submarine
Yellow Submarine helps people with learning disabilities and autism

In a statement, the charity said: "We returned to our Oxford Café and Office after the bank holiday weekend to find that two doors to our location had been badly vandalised.

"Being next to a busy public path we were concerned about security of the location, further damage and most importantly the safety of our staff, trainees and the general public."

It said it was "deeply disappointed" by the damage, adding: "Despite the vandalism to our Oxford location, our incredible members continue to be our top priority."

Thames Valley Police confirmed it was investigating the incident and asked anyone with information or footage to contact the force.

Yellow Submarine Wooden boards in the parts of a door previously filled with glass.Yellow Submarine
The doors have since been boarded up

Yellow Submarine offers a variety of services to those with learning disabilities and autism including social clubs, activity days, residential holidays and a traineeship - often at its flagship site on Park End Street, in Oxford.

Following a post on its Facebook page, the charity said it had been "overwhelmed by community outreach".

"Lots of our supporters and local businesses have been in touch both with kind words and offers of support," it added.