THE owner of a play centre targeted by burglars has told how she watched on her mobile phone as raiders "ransacked the place".

The police were alerted by an alarm system, but by the time officers arrived at Giggles Play Centre the offenders had left.

They got away with £2,500 in cash and caused £6,000 worth of damage during the raid at the Elliott Road, Bournemouth centre.

Mrs Dennis' mobile phone is linked to a CCTV system at the centre, allowing her to watch any unusual activity there.

She said: "I was panicking really. I was trying to get dressed really quickly and get over here."

Police arrived at 8.55pm on Sunday to discover the damage. Staff worked overnight to ensure the centre was open for business as usual on Monday.

Nursery manager Laura Clark described the raiders as "low-lifes". Mrs Clark posted a CCTV image on Facebook to appeal for the public's help. The post has since received over 1000 shares.

Mrs Clark said: "The public, parents and staff have been exceptional throughout this ordeal and we cannot thank them enough for their support. Hopefully the two guys that broke into Giggles and stole thousands of pounds in cash will be caught and brought to justice.

"It sickens me to think someone can come in and steal from a children's play centre and nursery, where we do a lot of fundraising for charities or individuals who need our help."

Mrs Dennis said the burglars broke in through the front door, smashed the alarm system and "ransacked the place".

She said she feels "sad" about the incident as the centre is a family-run business and called the burglars "nasty".

The police are currently investigating the incident.