A SCHOOL has said it is "appalled and saddened" after thieves broke into the grounds and stole a minibus. 

Burlish Park Primary School in Stourport was targeted by thieves in a raid in the early hours of Thursday (December 28).

A minibus was stolen from the school grounds after suspects managed to access the grounds.

A spokesperson for the school said: "We are appalled and saddened by the theft of our school minibus, it is an essential resource for children and families who rely on it for their education, support, and extracurricular activities. 

"The thieves who took our minibus have shown no regard for the wellbeing of the community and have caused immense upset and disruption to the school and its pupils".

In a statement, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We received a call around 12.30am with a report of a theft of a vehicle from Burlish Park Primary School in Stourport.

"Officers attended the incident to find suspects have gained access to the school grounds and have stolen a minibus.

"Investigations into the theft are now ongoing".

It's not the first time the school has been hit by thieves. In February 2018, thieves entered the grounds of Burlish Park Primary School and stole the front and spare wheels from a minibus.

Parents and relatives of the pupils got together to contribute a PTA fund to cover the insurance excess and purchase new tyres.