A STRETFORD primary school has had thousands of pounds of projectors stolen in its third break in in two years.

Thieves smashed their way into St Matthew's Primary School on Poplar Grove shortly after 6pm on Wednesday last week.

They got away with nine digital projectors used for the classrooms' interactive whiteboards worth more than £6,000.

This is the third time projectors have been stolen from the school. Four units were taken in January and again in September last year.

Kylie Spark, headteacher at the school, said: "I feel angry and so upset for the children. They have been distraught and some of them were in tears. They love the interactive whiteboards and the exciting lessons teachers were providing."

Mrs Spark was first alerted to the break in by police who called her at 6.20pm on Wednesday after the school's alarms were activated. This was just 20 minutes after the school's site manager had left.

She added: "Seven of the projectors were new this summer and were in bright orange casing which is exclusive to schools so if someone is offered one in this it was definitely stolen.

"Longer term we have got to consider whether we should get them again in case they get stolen again.

"I find it sickening. It's a primary school and it's these young children who are suffering at the end."

Although security had been tightened after each of the break ins, it will again be reviewed after the latest theft.

Area Inspector Alistair McDonald, said footwear impressions were taken from the scene and they are continuing to look for matches.

He added: "This kind of theft ultimately deprives the children. Schools only have a limited budget and if they want to replace these projectors, money will have to come from elsewhere for example sporting equipment or books."

Police will also be looking at internet auction sites and cash generators as part of their ongoing investigations.

Anyone with information should contact Insp MacDonald on 0161 856 7655.