THIEVES have made off with £30,000 of computers from a Hampshire school.

Teachers and students have been left devastated after thieves stole 28 new computers from Toynbee school in Chandler's Ford.

An entire IT suite full of Apple iMacs was taken, despite the school having a full security in place.

The school’s new creative and media diploma in tatters by the heartless theft while a review of security must also now take place.

Matthew Longden, the school's headteacher, said: “We cannot believe it. We are all absolutely devastated at the school.

“This IT room was specially set up for our lead diploma and it’s not just our own students who use it – other schools from the area come here to use the facilities.

“The leadership team that championed this course is extremely upset. It had only been running since September.

“It was the last thing we expected when we came in to work in the morning. Clearly we are going to have to look to replace these computers, which will be a huge expense.”

Burglars are thought to have entered the school through a first floor window between 10pm on Monday, October 12 and 6.10am yesterday.

Once inside the offenders entered the IT suite and removed the iMacs.

Mr Longden said the new course would have to be rearranged while insurance companies are contacted and that security measures may also have to be stepped up.

He added: “This is directly affecting the education of young people.

“I think it is very sad that a place that nurtures children and supports them gets targeted in this way. It is really upsetting.”

A police spokesman said: “To remove this number of computers would have taken those responsible some time.

“We are appealing for anyone with information to contact us. We would particularly like to hear from anyone who lives near to the school, or anyone who drove by during the stated period and saw or heard anything suspicious.”

Anyone with information should contact Eastleigh police station on 101 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers charity 0800 555 111.