A charity collection for a child with cancer was stolen after thieves broke into a pre-school overnight.

The burglars raided Coopersale Pre-School in Institute Hall, Epping, some time between 5pm on Monday (February 1) and the following morning.

After removing a side window from the building in Institute Road, the thieves took the charity collection which contained a ‘three-figure’ sum of cash.

They also took a camera, which was used by the pre-school to record activities and memories of the children.

While in the building, the burglars also ate the children’s snacks, leaving the wrappers behind.

The burglary has caused severe disruption to the pre-school and left children and staff feeling anxious.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: “Police have received a report of a burglary at Institute Hall, Institute Road, Epping.

“Thieves broke into the hall by removing a side window sometime between 5pm Monday February 1 and the following morning.

“Property including a charity collection and a camera was stolen.”

Anyone with information about the theft should contact police in Epping on 101.