CHILDREN with special needs are shocked and upset after thieves broke in to their school and made off with a safe and its contents, including money donated for the upkeep of a memorial garden for a former classmate.

Youngsters at Beaucroft School, Colehill, Wimborne, arrived for lessons on Friday to be faced with police cars and investigators.

Headteacher, Paul McGill, said: "We're obviously shocked at what's happened. The children were upset but they've coped very well. Some get upset at any strangers so getting off the bus to be faced with police everywhere wasn't nice for them.

"It was a major break-in and there was more money in the safe than there normally would be. We're working with police to find out what happened."

The burglars broke a window to get in and another, larger, one to get out with the heavy, old-fashioned safe. Inside it was about £600, including money parents and staff had donated towards Percy's Garden, a quiet play area created in memory of Percy Boyd, who died in 2003 aged nine.

A police spokesman said: "To break into a school which is vital to the community and the education of our children and to target a vulnerable section of that community way is despicable. We'd like to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything or can help us identify who is responsible."

The safe also contained donations from staff towards their Christmas party, and petty cash.

Beaucroft caters for primary and secondary school age children with a range of learning disabilities and has a specialist autism department.

The burglary was between 8.30pm, Wednesday and 7am Thursday, when police were alerted by the school's site manager.

Anyone with information is urged to call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.