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19 Mar 2014

Police called in after Suffolk school reunion gets rowdy

Police in Felixstowe are investigating after middle-aged former high school pupils at a school reunion daubed graffiti on the walls, smoked in the toilets, and set off the fire alarms.

Former staff and pupils of Orwell High School, Felixstowe Middle School and Felixstowe County Modern were invited back ahead of the planned demolition of buildings to make a sports field for the new Felixstowe Academy buildings, now being constructed.

But while many enjoyed the chance to meet old classmates and take photos and video of former classrooms and corridors, some were reverting to behaviour more typical of truculent students.

In a statement the school said: “Sadly a very small minority of adult visitors took it upon themselves to smoke within the building and write graffiti on the walls, causing vandalism to an operating school.”

It is understood that staff who challenge those involved were verbally abused.

The setting off of the fire alarms meant an automatic call out for the Felixstowe Fire Service, and the buildings had to be evacuated by local community police officers who were already attending the event. It was then decided that the evening could not continue and visitors were told the building had to be closed.

Police investigations are ongoing.

The school statement continued:

“We are extremely grateful and proud of our staff and students who had given up their time to support this event, and for volunteering to stay and clean vandalised areas to ensure the Academy was open as usual today”.

A further event at Felixstowe Academy’s Garrison campus, for former pupils of Deben High School, was cancelled on the advice of the police.

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