Schoolchildren hit by cycle theft

Police said the equipment was valued at about £14,000

Thieves have stolen £14,000 worth of bikes and cycling equipment from a primary school in Glasgow's east end.

The haul was stolen from a primary school in Haghill last Friday morning, police said.

They have appealed for information about two Ford vans which were seen in the area at the time of the theft.

At one stage, a large group of men got out of a Ford Escort van and hitched a trailer to the vehicle before leaving the scene.

The driver of the Ford Escort van was described as in his 40s, 5ft 3in tall and of stocky build with dark brown hair. He was wearing a jacket with a yellow stripe on the sleeves.

The man driving the other van, a Ford Transit van, was described as in his 40s, 5ft 7in tall and of medium build with dark brown curly hair. He was wearing dark-coloured clothing.

I think it is absolutely shameful that anyone would take away the equipment which was fought for by the children, parents and teachers Sgt John Stobo Strathclyde Police

Descriptions of the other men have not been available.

Both vans were white and had a faded blue 'A' on the side.

Sgt John Stobo, of London Road community safety department, said: "The items stolen are a Tow Master box trailer, 15 mountain bikes and various other cycling equipment including helmets, spares and tools.

"The value of all the items stolen is approximately £14,000."

Local councillor Pat Chalmers said: "I think it is absolutely shameful that anyone would take away the equipment which was fought for by the children, parents and teachers.

"The equipment was designed to give the children confidence and a healthier life."

John Herbert, cycling club founder, said: "The cycling club has been running now for five years.

"I'm gutted for the children as they turn up faithfully, hail, rain or shine. It's just not the cycling for the kids, it's getting them out into the countryside where they meet people from other areas and social backgrounds."