A primary school in St Johns has thanked parents for their support after it was forced to close following a “very serious break-in.”

Staff at Ashmead Primary School are hoping children will be able to come back for lessons tomorrow after the burglary in which expensive equipment was stolen.

In a letter to parents posted on the school’s website, headteacher Sean O’Flynn said: “There was a very serious break-in at the school last night.

“All classrooms apart from two were broken into as well as the office and the locked cabinets containing iPads and Chromebooks.

“A number of windows have been crowbarred open and a number of doors have been smashed open and damaged beyond repair.”

Mr O’Flynn said five iMac computers – which power the interactive whiteboards – as well as iPods and laptops had also been taken from the school.

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While police teams investigate the site, Mr O’Flynn said “it is not possible to have children in.”

A mum whose child goes to Ashmead Primary told News Shopper she was “devastated.”

The mum, who did not want to be named, added: “Parents are very upset. The school was closed today so people – like myself – have had to arrange last-minute childcare. They have grouped together to organise it.”

She added the school’s communication had been “brilliant” as every parent had been sent a text this morning – but added parents were in disbelief at what had happened.

“I’m furious beyond words. How can someone do that?” she said.

“I just cannot believe it. This is a residential street and there are houses directly opposite the school.”

She added Ashmead Primary had only completed building works onsite a few weeks ago.

Mr O’Flynn’s letter to parents thanked them for “kind words and actions to staff this morning, including drinks and baked goods.”

The school has said it will try to provide an update later today to confirm whether the school will be open tomorrow.

News Shopper has contacted the Met Police for more information about the incident.