Rounders bats stolen from a school shed could be turned into lethal weapons, a Basildon headteacher fears.

David North, of Whitmore County Junior School, issued the grim warning after thieves forced the shed door and took more than 20 bats.

His concerns stem from the discovery of a rounders bat with nails hammered into it just before Christmas when staff were tidying up the Whitmore Way school grounds.

Mr North said: "It looked like a nasty weapon. The nails were rusty so it could have been lying there for some time, but it makes me think these rounders bats might have been stolen with an ulterior motive.

"If it was one bat I would think it had been taken to play games in the park, but it seems strange to take so many in the middle of the winter."

He added: "The fact that every single bat the school possesses was stolen means I have to raise money to replace them.

"They were worth about £200 and around £100 of damage was caused to the shed. We are insured but we have to pay the first £200. Maybe the parent teacher association can do a fundraiser."

A spokesman for Basildon police added: "We haven't had a problem with youngsters using rounders bats as weapons."

If anyone can help with cash or rounders bats call Mr North on 01268 520435. Anyone with information about the theft should call police on 01268 532212.

Angry - David North examines the wrecked school shed

Picture: ADAM SCOREY

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