Thieves have stolen 21 bicycles used by special needs pupils at a school in Brighton.
Police said that the bikes, worth £2,500, were taken from a shed at the Brighton and Hove Pupil Referral Unit in Lynchet Close, in Hollingdean.
The theft happened between Saturday (3 September) and 10am on Monday (5 September).
PC Grant Hebblewhite, from the Sussex Police Resolution Centre, said: “Not only is this particularly despicable because of the loss to the kids who get so much pleasure out of the bikes, but whoever was responsible has pretty much destroyed the shed that they were in.
“Some of the bikes were new and, given the number stolen, we think that more than one person was involved and possibly some form of transport as well.
“We would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area over the weekend or who might be aware of bicycles being offered for sale.”
Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.