A NURSERY leader has hit out at heartless thieves who have deprived children of �400 worth of outdoor toys.

Russell Claydon

A NURSERY leader has hit out at heartless thieves who have deprived children of �400 worth of outdoor toys.

Police are investigating after play equipment was stolen from Woodhall Nursery in Sudbury overnight in a raid which has left staff shocked.

A red go kart and three tricycles were taken after the padlocked shed on the fenced-off site was broken last Thursday.

Antoinette King, a teacher at the nursery which caters for 40 children a day before they go up to adjacent Woodhall Primary School in Mayflower Way, said: “I just think stealing from children is appalling.

“It is unpleasant to think anyone would steal from children.”

She said the frightening episode had become worse after the raiders seemed to have returned twice without taking anything further, including leaving muddy footprints on outside picnic benches on Tuesday.

“I just despair,” she said. “Someone is having a real laugh, it is a bit sad.

“I would not have minded if they had come in and left the toys but it was about �400 worth.

“The school has fairs to raise money for equipment like that.”

Mrs King added it was trying to explain to the youngest children what had happened which was the worst part.

“We have small children in the morning and they still cannot grasp what has happened and I have to say 'some nasty person has taken it',” she said. “It is difficult to have 40 children with no bikes and one go-kart.

“We are not sure whether the insurance will cover it as they have dropped in value.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police confirmed they are investigating the incident and said: “Offenders have broken into a shed at a school by forcing a door and stolen a red go kart, a green metal tricycle, a yellow metal tricycle and two plastic tricycles.”

Anyone with information is urged to call PC Barry Simpson at the Sudbury and Great Cornard Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.