A SPATE of burglaries at primary schools on the border between Little Lever and Radcliffe have been described as worrying.

Police have been called to three primary schools in the past two days to reports of break-ins where windows and doors were smashed through to gain entry.

Officers were called to a break-in at St Matthew's CE Primary School in Norris Street, Little Lever, in the early hours of Wednesday, April 25.

Deputy headteacher Matthew Harding said: "It is a horrible feeling and it just seems awful that schools are targeted. It does not seem right.

"When we arrived at school it was just a mess. There were windows smashed in and doors kicked off the hinges. Thankfully, not a huge amount was stolen.

"The parents and governors have been great. We had lots of offers to help clear up in time to operate as normal on Wednesday.

"But this is not what we should be doing. We have children to teach and educate. This is taking up valuable time."

Mr Harding praised police officers and the school's alarm company for their support and handling of the situation.

The windows at the site have been boarded up and the school's security system is being updated.

Police were called to a second burglary at St Andrew's CE Primary School, in Graves Street, Radcliffe, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, April 25.

A police sniffer dog attended with police but officers said the unknown offenders had made off.

Officers at Bury police station said: "The alarm was triggered just after midnight.

"An offender has smashed the entrance window at St Andrew's CE Primary School.

"They have entered the school and stolen a small portable safe.

"Police enquiries are ongoing. Officers are checking CCTV and making door-to-door visits in the area."

It is also understood that Ladywood School and Outreach Service in Masefield Road, Little Lever, was burgled overnight on Wednesday, April 25.

Sergeant William Jennings-Wharton of GMP Bolton South said: "Please report any suspicious circumstances or alarms at schools to us and we will attend."

Councillor Sean Hornby, who represents Little Lever and Darcy Lever on Bolton Council, said: "It is absolutely mindless to attack our youngest members of society.

"This spate of burglaries is very worrying. It is very sad.

"Schools are already struggling for cash and now they are going to have to pay out for repairs so this will inevitably affect the schools' budgets.

"I commend the school staff, parents and cleaning staff who are helping to get the schools back up and operational as quickly as possible."

Cllr Hornby said he will be visiting the schools in his ward to see how the council can assist.

Anyone with information about the break-in at St Andrew's should call police on 101 quoting crime reference 109339F/18.