A secondary school has been targeted by burglars. 

Heathcote School and Science College, in Normanton Park, Chingford, was broken into between 4.30pm on Saturday and the early hours of yesterday morning. 

The burglars stole "a number of laptops and iPads" after they gained entry through the rear of the school building. 

It follows a number of burglaries in Chingford, with police warning that a gang is targeting the area.

School business manager Stuart Fox said: "There was some damage to door frames in the classrooms where they tried or did manage to gain access. 

"We acted very quickly so fortunately, it did not cause too much disruption to teaching and learning."

Staff were made aware of the break-in after the caretaker arrived yesterday morning and raised the alarm. 

The school suggested the burglars were "working to a time limit" based on the CCTV footage which has been passed to the police. 

Mr Fox would not disclose the value of property stolen but police have said 15 laptops were stolen. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Waltham Forest police on 101, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111