Students and staff have been left 'deeply disappointed' and 'upset' after a school was broken into.

Three people gained entry to Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, police say.

The school, on Uplyme Road, was targeted during the early hours of Thursday, 7 July.

According to Dorset Police, those responsible caused damage to a school display and an office.

The estimated cost of the damage caused is between £2,000 and £2,500.

The school's headteacher, Daniel Watts, said: "We are deeply disappointed to have been targeted in this particular way and are upset by the damage it has caused and the impact it has had on students and staff.

"The office belonged to a head of year and is often used to meet parents and support young people in need of pastoral care.

"There was also damage to a class room. The damage to displayed work is particularly distressing as students take pride in showing off their work.

"I absolutely hope they catch them; this has had an impact on students and staff in the school and disappointed the community, who I believe will be concerned to know that the people who have done this are still at large."

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Dan White, of West Dorset police, said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries into this incident and I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of the school during the early hours of Thursday 7 July.

“I would also urge anyone with further information that might assist our investigation to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220108575. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.