A caretaker disturbed thieves who broke into a Chatham school and stole cash saved up for treats on a pupils’ outing.

They also stole a camera from New Road Primary School after smashing their way in with a garden fork.

So far an estimated £192 has been reported as missing from a teacher’s drawer in a classroom.

The caretaker and officers were alerted after the alarm went off just after 10pm on Monday.

Head teacher Elizabeth Caldwell said: "Although discovering the break-in wasn’t a great way to start the day, fortunately very little was taken and very little damage occurred."

Miss Caldwell added that the school trip to London on Tuesday had already been paid for and the day went ahead as planned.

She said: “The police arrived on the scene very quickly and the damage to the library door, was minimal and quickly repaired.

"I would like to thank the police and the caretaker for their quick response which scared away the intruders.

"Now it’s back to business at the school."

Police are examining CCTV footage.