BURGLARS struck at a primary school twice within three days of each other ­— stealing laptops, children's gardening equipment and even a carpet cleaner.

High Lawn Primary School in Sharples was first targeted on Monday at 11.14pm, with burglars forcing open a window to get inside the school, before searching the main office and fleeing with items.

And just two days later, on Wednesday at 9.42pm, thieves forced open a back door.

Police investigating the burglaries are appealing for information from the public to catch those responsible.

According to reports burglaries forced entry on the Holden Avenue side on Monday, and broke-in from the Belmont Road side on Wednesday.

My Astley Bridge Facebook page is reporting that they took a carpet cleaner ­— needed to keep the school clean during coronavirus ­— as an out-of-school-club is said to run there all year round.

Laptops, iPads and gardening equipment used in the primary's 'Forest School' area were also taken.

Officers with GMP Bolton North said: "Police are appealing for information following two burglaries at a school in Sharples.

"At 11:14pm on Monday, police received reports of the property alarm being activated at High Lawn Primary School on Holden Avenue. Police attended the school and found that a window had been forced open and the main reception office searched, with a few items being stolen.

"At 9:42pm on Wednesday, police received another report of the property alarm being activated at High Lawn Primary School. Police attended again and found a door at the back of the school had been forced open. A carpet cleaner and a number of laptops were stolen.

"Anyone with information in relation to these burglaries are asked to contact the #BoltonNorth Neighbourhood Team on 0161 856 5761. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."