Callous thieves have targeted a school fete, stealing hundreds of pounds raised to buy classroom equipment.

The thieves struck yesterday afternoon as St John's School in Titchfield hosted their fete to raise funds for the school.

Throughout the day cash was collected from various stalls and was taken to the main office.

At about 1.40pm staff left the main office but discovered on their return 20 minutes later that a pot containing £550 and two money bags containing £80 each had been stolen.

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Although the office was locked and secured the cash would have been visible through a small hatch with sliding glass doors, which was not locked.

PC Jeanette Kavanagh said: "This fete was being held to raise funds for school equipment, so this is a particularly callous crime."

Anyone with information should contact Fareham police station on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111