AS if once was not sickening enough.

Just days after ripping a catalytic converter from a special needs minibus in Southampton, thieves have struck again – targeting the same vehicle and stealing the expensive replacement equipment.

The Rose Road Association has been left reeling by the double blow, which has cost them thousands of pounds and severely disrupted their ability to transport disabled children around the city.

It comes less than a week after the Daily Echo reported how a catalytic converter was torn from a minibus used by disabled children at Bitterne Park Secondary School.

Staff at Rose Road, who just days ago launched their What a Difference a Day Makes funding appeal, are extremely upset about the double theft from their headquarters in Aldermoor.

The charity’s transport officer Vicki Jelley, said: “We are absolutely appalled that anyone could do this to our young people, not once, but twice in less than two weeks.

“I would like to invite the person or persons who did this to come to Rose Road and see the valuable work that we do and to see the devastating effect of their actions on our young people. I challenge them to be able to then go home and sleep at night.”

Valuable funds that would have been used to improve services at the organisation have now had to be diverted to pay for repairs, replacement equipment and new security measures.

The minibus is especially adapted for young people with severe and complex disabilities and enables them to access respite services.

A similar crime at Bitterne Park Secondary School left important trips for the school’s 400 special needs pupils in jeopardy.

Rose Road’s director of services Sue Salter said: “The financial implications for The Association are devastating.

“It is also going to have a major impact on the services we can provide this weekend. Many of our children and young people have difficulty accessing public transport so the provision of our minibuses is vital.”

Police have so far been unable to confirm whether or not the three incidents are linked.

Anyone with any information should contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.