THIEVES stole thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment from a pioneering special needs school – just three months after it opened.

Offenders broke into Redwood School on Sunday afternoon, taking six laptops, a £5,000 projector and causing £13,500 worth of damage to the premises.

The total cost of the burglary is estimated at around £23,500.

Eight classes were disrupted on Monday morning and many pupils were devastated when they heard the news.

Headteacher Stuart Pidgeon said: "It’s affected the pupils because their routines were disrupted and it was soul-destroying for the staff who’ve worked so hard to establish the school.

"It’s a special needs school and we are very disappointed that someone could show complete disregard in this way.

"The inconvenience was massive but everyone rallied round and the staff were fantastic. I was extremely sad when I found out what had happened and the fact that we have such a new and lovely building makes it even worse."

Redwood houses 235 pupils, aged 11 to 19, in a modern building alongside Oulder Hill Community School. It was officially launched by the children’s commissioner, Sir Al Aynsley Green, in November.

The pupils have moderate and profound learning difficulties, including autism, visual and hearing impairments. Facilities at the site include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory studios, a music studio, IT suites and a sensory garden.

After a successful first term, Mr Pidgeon is determined not to let this setback ruin their progress.

He said: "It will take us a while to get back on track but we are determined not to let this disrupt the school too much and we will move on from this."

A police spokesman appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.