Reception children at a Hatfield school are upset after play equipment was stolen last weekend.

The theft and criminal damage took place at The Ryde School in Pleasant Rise.

A four-year-old pupil wrote a sign that read: "The Ryde School bikes; these have gone away. Whoever took these has to return them to us."

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The school headteacher Sue Thompson said: "One balance bike has been returned and two diddy cars.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The note written by a four-year-old reception year student regarding the stolen balance bikes.The note written by a four-year-old reception year student regarding the stolen balance bikes. (Image: Amanda Pedley)

"But the children who use the bikes have been upset as they can no longer ride them."

It was reported that some children's play equipment had been stolen between 1.30pm on Saturday, May 13, and 9.30am on Sunday, May 14.

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Welwyn Hatfield Times: A picture of one of the balance bikes stolen from the school.A picture of one of the balance bikes stolen from the school. (Image: Amanda Pedley)

There was also damage caused to a bench and garden. 

Anyone with information is asked to please contact police via 101 or the online web chat, quoting crime reference number 41/38607/23.