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An Essex primary school has had all of its food stolen after being broken into over the weekend.

Ahead of the first week where schools will only be open for the children of key workers due to coronavirus, Gosfield School in Halstead have now had their vital supplies stolen from the site.

The incident happened between Friday (March 20) night and the following Saturday morning.

Four large freezers full of food were taken, along with all of the school's dry food and food stored in the fridges.

(Image: Gosfield school)

In a post on their Facebook page, a spokesperson for Gosfield School said that police and forensic teams have been on site to investigate the incident and that they have CCTV footage of the moment the incident happened.

They said that they are now unable to feed the children and staff at the school for the foreseeable future.

Although staff have been out this morning to try and buy some supplies, the current supermarket restrictions have made it difficult.

A spokesperson for Gosfield School wrote: "We are so incredibly saddened to share with you this morning that Gosfield School catering department suffered an extensive burglary over the weekend.

(Image: Gosfield school)

"CCTV footage shows that the theft took place on Friday night and early Saturday morning. Items taken include four commercial sized freezers full of food, all of the dry foods in the kitchen and all chilled food taken from our catering refrigerators.

"Of course this means that we are unable to feed the children of Critical Workers who are attending School today, and the staff who have kindly volunteered to come in and run the skeleton operation to make this work, and we won't be able to feed the children and staff for the foreseeable future.

"Therefore we would respectfully request that all children of key workers who are attending School bring along a packed lunch, nut free snacks and a water bottle."

Gosfield School have asked for anyone who can help them restock to get in contact.

So far, more than 4000 people have shared the school's Facebook post in an attempt to raise awareness and find donations of food.

Anyone with any information on this theft should contact police on 101 quoting crime reference 42-44904-20.