Forty bikes were stolen from a school in Wigan.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at Newbridge Learning Community on Moss Lane, Platt Bridge, at about 7.45pm on Monday.

Once in the schoolyard, the thieves forced their way into a large metal storage containers.

They then stole 30 pedal cycles, eight mountain bikes and two unicycles.

Sergeant Paul Rollinson, of Atherton Police Station, said: "The theft of these bikes has obviously deprived the children of an important resource and the financial implication to the school in replacing them is substantial.

"I would therefore urge anyone with any information in relation to this burglary to come forward.

"Additionally, if anybody is approached by someone offering the property for sale I would also ask you to contact us.

"The unicycles are clearly unusual, but all the bikes were brand new and painted in a striking blue gloss, so they should be quite recognisable."

The thieves are described as both being white and aged around 15. One was wearing a dark hooded fleece with white stripes down the sleeves, a balaclava and dark blue tracksuit and white trainers. His accomplice was wearing a dark tracksuit and black and white deerstalker hat with white trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Atherton on 0161 856 7329 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.