Security ramped up at Monkseaton High site following broadcast footage of masked intruders

Security at the Monkseaton High School site has been ramped up on the back of a series of TikTok videos of masked youths inside the building. One clip appears to show a person walking on an internal roof on one of the upper floors.

One video begins with the title ‘newly abandoned high school’, which the local authority rejects, stating that the space, while no longer a school, is still used by the wider community.

Local Conservative councillor for New York and Murton Claire McGinty said action was needed before someone gets hurt.

Coun McGinty added: “We’ve been contacted by a number of concerned residents from Robinson’s Fields about security at the former Monkseaton High School site, alongside seeing the worrying TikTok videos of young people inside the building.

“Our immediate concern is safety. An empty building of this size presents very real risks if people can gain access, whether that’s someone being seriously injured or the risk of a fire.

“We’ve raised this directly with the council and are calling for urgent action to properly secure the building and wider site. The council needs to act now, before somebody gets hurt, and give residents living nearby the reassurance they deserve.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands Northumbria Police are aware of reported break-ins and enquiries are under way.

A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: “We are working in partnership with the school to respond to these incidents and enhance site security.

“Additional measures have been introduced, security presence has been increased and further protective steps are being implemented to safeguard the premises.

“While the school is no longer operating as a mainstream educational setting, the building remains in regular use by community groups and other organisations. We are committed to ensuring it remains a safe and secure facility for everyone who uses it.”

Monkseaton High School closed on August 31 following a highly controversial decision by North Tyneside Council back in December 2024.

Despite protests, public consultations and calls from parents to keep the high school open, the council’s cabinet ultimately approved plans to close it.

The local authority stated that the school was operating at below 50% capacity, which had a knock-on effect on the school’s government funding. The overall decline in local birth rates also meant it was unlikely the school would see an increase in pupil numbers despite local house-building.

The institution’s financial position was also deemed untenable, with a deficit initially projected to increase to £7million by 2026.

In a full council meeting on July 23 this year, the full deficit was revealed to be £8,571,357.