CALLOUS thieves walked into a Burnley secondary school before stealing nearly £40,000 worth of computers.

The theft happened when Ivy Bank Business and Enterprise College, Byron Street, was open for an activity evening during the summer holidays.

The offenders sneaked into a computer suite at the school before filling two sacks with 55 Toshiba Pro Satellite laptops worth £36,000.

Police Inspector Damian Darcy today warned people not to buy the computers.

He said: "We have got full details of these computers and all computer stores have been contacted.

"Do not buy these computers because you will be handling stolen property and if you need to get one repaired the shops will have all the details and they will contact us.

"It is a callous act by people who have stolen these computers from a school who are impacting on children's education.

"We are determined to catch those responsible and get all the computers back and anybody who has bought one will face as serious a charge as the offenders."

Police launched an investigation following the incident which happened on Friday night.

The school reopens in September when it will merge with Habergham High to form the new Hameldon Community College as part of the £250million Building Schools for the Future programme.

Insp Darcy appealed for anybody with information about the burglary to contact the police.

He added: "The school has opened it doors to give children something to do in the holidays and that trust has been broken.

"I would urge anybody who knows anything about it to think long and hard about their actions and contact the police."

Lancashire County Councillor Alan Whittaker, cabinet member for schools, said: "I condemn this theft. The people who took these computers are robbing the children of Burnley and they should be ashamed of themselves. I'm sure the school will be absolutely devastated."

Anybody with information should contact police on 01282 425001.