CALLOUS thieves have stolen a bench from a Kent primary school.

The incident happened at Molehill Copse County Primary School in Maidstone, between 5.30pm on Wednesday and 8.45am on Thursday.

Police say the offenders gained access to the school by climbing over the front fence, which buckled in the process.

The thieves then forced a lock on a shed in the grounds before stealing the bench from the junior playground.

The bench was given to the school in honour of a former teacher who died while in service, and is distinctively engraved "the thinking chair".

Anyone who may have any information regarding the incident are urged to contact police in Mid Kent on 01622 690055 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.