THIEVES broke into a Hockley school and stole two laptops.

They found a spade in the grounds of Plumberow Primary School, in Hamilton Gardens, which they used to prise open the doors.

They then took the laptops from a desk.

They were a Toshiba and a Compaq laptop worth about £800.

It happened between 6pm on June 3 and 8pm the following day, while the school was closed for half term.

Police have only just released an appeal. Anyone with information should call PC Chris Wentworth, at Rayleigh police station, on 0300 3334444.