INTRUDERS smashed their way into a primary school and stole computers and cash worth nearly £10,000.

Eagley Infant School in Bromley Cross was targeted overnight, and the raid was discovered when the school opened yesterday morning.

Cash to the value of £5,300 was taken along three laptops worth £4,500, and the raid caused more than £1,000 worth of damage.

The school says the actions of the burglars has “violated a safe and special place” and is appealing for anybody with information to get in touch.

The school is stepping up security and action has already being taken to ensure it is secure. The break-in affected some classes. The burglary at the school is the latest in a spate of raids on schools in Bolton.

Headteacher Cathryn Antwis said: “We believe the intruders used sledgehammers and crowbars to break through a door and enter the building.

“They headed to the offices breaking down doors to access the safe and laptops. This was clearly well planned. Further advice is being sought from our insurers to ensure that security is tightened further.

“Fortunately the intruders have been clearly focused on stealing cash and laptops and our children’s work has not been taken or damaged.”

A special assembly was held so children could talk about how they felt about the burglary.

Mrs Antwis added: “Although we hope to recoup some of the costs through insurance this is not a victimless crime.

“Our school is a special place for our children, and this has been violated.

“They are now having to deal with the first-hand experience of being victims of crime.

“We will also have to spend limited school resources on additional security and other expenses connected with this break-in.

“As a school, we will have to carefully consider how we balance increased security with ensuring that it feels like a school where children can be happy to learn and not a prison.

“This offence will impact our whole community in one way or another.

“I would urge anyone with any information to call Greater Manchester Police particularly if offered black or silver Dell laptops.”

Anyone with information about the break-in should call police on 101.