POLICE are hunting raiders who broke into Christchurch Hospital to steal expensive tools.

The tools worth thousands of pounds were scattered around 30 different rooms in a wing of the hospital currently being refurbished.

Officers believe a vehicle is likely to have been used to remove all the stolen items from the scene.

Now they have appealed for information about the offence, which took place between 9pm on Monday February 1 and 8.40am on Tuesday February 2.

Workers told police they left the wing, situated next to the main entrance, secure when they left on Monday night.

Police Constable Peter Simpson, of Christchurch police, said: "The tools were scattered all around the wing so the offenders would have taken some time to collect them all. "I am appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of the hospital overnight on Monday to please call me on 101.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who has seen tools offered for sale in suspicious circumstances."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 2:70. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.