THIEVES raided an Altrincham school stealing thousands of pounds worth of computers from a newly refurbished IT suite.

The gang of three or four men struck at Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in the early hours of Sunday morning (June 26) - just six months after the Urban Road school’s eLearning Centre was opened by Sale and Altrincham MP Graham Brady.

After scaling the school’s metal fence, the men smashed a door to gain entry to the school and went to the computer suite where they removed all 16 Apple Mac computers.

But the gang were forced to dump nine of the computers at the side of the school after police - alerted by a member of the public who had seen a suspicious vehicle - arrived on the scene just before 12.10am.

Seven of the computers, which were installed in the IT suite in January, were stolen.

The thieves are believed to have escaped in a blue Lexus.

Police searched the area and deployed the force’s helicopter but were unable to find those responsible and are appealing for information.

The school’s £1m eLearning Centre, which received funding from Trafford Council, was officially opened by Mr Brady in January.

Mr Brady told Messenger: "I was privileged to be asked to be asked to open this fantastic new facility which marked a further step forward for an already outstanding school.

"It is appalling that some people would commit a crime that would damage children’s opportunities in this way and I’m delighted that the Greater Manchester Police took such prompt and effective action."

A police spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to contact officers on 0161 856 9168 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.