A primary school has had its mental health bus broken into and food bank donations stolen.

Pupils and staff at Lawn Primary School in High Street, Northfleet, arrived to school on Monday to find their mental health and well-being bus “The Nest” trashed and food supplies stolen.

It was stocked with food for the school’s parents as well as snacks for the pupils’ end of term disco.

Assistant head teacher Craig Fenton said: “What is so sad is that people knew what was kept on that bus. The food bank took a big hit.

“It is food supplies for our most vulnerable children and parents.

“We store the cans and stable foods that are non-perishable on there and which go to our most deprived families.

“They are the ones who are going to be most affected.”

The end of term party was due to be held this week.

In the past, the bus has even been used to store Christmas presents donated by the community for parents who can not afford to buy them for their children.

But Mr Fenton said the community and parents have rallied around to replace the lost supplies.

“As soon as people heard about the break-in they have banded together and we now have a room full of snacks for our disco,” he said.

“It’s been really heart warming.”

The bus has been at the school for two years and is also used as a place for children to attend counselling sessions and enjoy Lego therapy.

“Pupils can go there for tea and biscuits and counselling,” Mr Fenton said.

After school it acts as a food bank for those parents who are struggling to provide meals for their children.

“We collect goods for supermarkets and hand them out on a daily basis where it is needed,” Mr Fenton said.

The bus was broken into at around 2pm on Sunday, February 4.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “We were called on Monday 5 February 2024 to a report that two people had broken into a school bus on February 4 between 2.30pm and 2.40pm in High Street, Northfleet.

“The bus is used as an extended resource to help support students. The offenders stole items from inside the vehicle which included food, drink and toys.

“Enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.”