Vandals have slashed tyres and damaged three minibuses used for young adults with learning disabilities in a “callous” attack.

The minibuses are used by St Mark’s Social Education Services, in Bush Hill Park, to collect people who suffer from autism from their homes on a daily basis.

However, 12 tyres have been slashed on three of the five minibuses, which cost around £11,000, and meant the group had to cancel a horse riding and picnic outing.

The buses were parked in Roman Way and Richard Burton, deputy manager at St Mark's Social Education Services, said the impact has been hard to take following the attack in the early hours of last Friday.

He told the Enfield Independent: “Three of the minibuses and wing mirrors have been smashed, it is a real shame.

“We have over 60 young people, aged 19-35, who come and use the service and for a lot of them, this is the only service they have to give them education.

“This has had an impact on the wide community. Families would have to stay at home or book carers as we cannot get to them, it is a big setback for us all.”

Mr Burton condemned the attack as “callous” but also said it has brought the community together in a bid to find the people who did this.

He said: “It has been disappointing and disheartening. It is a callous and thoughtless thing. But it is a tiny minority, and people in the area have come together to support us after it happened.

“To have a family member who is autistic means having to make many adaptations to your life. We go the extra mile in terms of helping families and give those who have autism a chance of education and learning life skills.”

One of the buses that was damaged was donated from the group’s charity, Friends of St Mark’s, after they raised £11,000.

Mr Burton added: “I hope the people realise the wider impact of their actions.

“We want to build relationships as much as possible, and be positive about the community they are in. Bush Hill Park has a great community spirit and we want to keep it that way and not create unnecessary tension.”

The group has issued a letter to other businesses and said: "For many people with autism, structure and routine are essential. This unexpected change will have the greatest impact on them.

“The distress that they feel will also be felt by their families, their friends, their neighbours and all who care about them.

“At St Marks we feel proud to be part of the Bush Hill Park community and we value our links with our neighbours”

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone who knows anything about the incident to come forward.