Capel Manor College where the alleged break-in happened (Picture: Capel Manor College/PA Wire)
Two schoolboys boys have been charged over an alleged burglary at a college during which a number of animals died.
The children, aged 11 and 12, are due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court tomorrow accused of two counts of burglary and one count of animal cruelty.
A break-in was reported at Capel Manor College in Gunnersbury Park, west London on February 25.
Staff said that animals had been killed and enclosures damaged.
A barn owl called Shiraz escaped but was later recovered at a warehouse near Heathrow Airport, and is being cared for at the college’s Enfield campus.
Capel Manor College describes itself as ‘London’s environmental college’, offering opportunities for students to work on its estates, gardens, farm and zoos.
Shiraz the barn owl escaped during the alleged break-in (Picture: Capel Manor College/PA Wire)
The institution said in a statement: ‘On Sunday 25 February, Capel Manor College’s Gunnersbury Park Campus experienced a break-in that resulted in damage to some of the animal areas, and sadly some animals died.
‘The safety of our staff, students, animals and community is of utmost importance to us.
‘A team is onsite co-ordinating with the police in their ongoing investigation, and additional security staff have also been deployed at the campus.’
Teaching at the college was held online on Monday before returning to campus on Tuesday.
Principle Peter Brammall said: ‘This has been a terrible episode and my thanks go out to the dedicated team of staff who worked tirelessly over Sunday and Monday to deal with and restore the devastation left by the intruders.
‘Our campus is now back open, student lessons are back on track and the team is working with our partners to bring in new animals over the next few weeks to replace those that were sadly lost.’
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