A break-in at a primary school has left staff and parents shocked and disgusted.

Thieves broke into Upshire Primary School in Upshire Road, Waltham Abbey, at around 3.45 am on Thursday taking 16 laptops, worth around £300 each, from the school’s IT suite.

CCTV pictures show five men with hooded tops and scarves over their faces taking the equipment and leaving within around 15 minutes.

The school is open as usual after the break-in, except for the IT facilities which are closed as police carry out forensic investigations.

Sadie Messer, administration officer at the school said: “We’re all just shocked and disgusted at people taking from a primary school.

“It makes parents and staff annoyed and angry because money is hard to come by and we have to budget every penny.”

The school is planning a quiz night in April to raise funds to replace the stolen equipment.

Officers have not yet revealed if any arrests have been made.