A PRIMARY school was broken into in Landford and thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused.

New Forest Primary School in Lyndhurst Road was broken into and a number of rooms were searched.

The incident happened sometime between 8.30pm on Tuesday, July 9, and 8.20am on Wednesday, July 10.

A safe containing £3 cash was stolen during the burglary and a number of windows were damaged.

It is estimated that the damage will cost between £2,000 and £3,000.

Yesterday (July 10) between 10.30am and 5.30pm, St Birinus Church in Redlynch was broken into, with damage caused to a door.

A safe was also removed but not opened.

Police believe these incidents and a break-in at a school in West Wellow may be linked.

PC James Barrett said: “We believe these incidents may be linked and we are also looking into whether they may also be linked to an incident at a school in West Wellow, in the Hampshire area, which was broken into around the same time.

“Fortunately, nothing of great value was stolen, but damage was caused in both incidents which will be costly to repair.

“We’d urge anyone with information about either incident to get in touch via 101 and quote crime reference number 54190067224.”