THREE men have been charged after 25 schools were burgled.

Christopher Kerr, 25, of Halstead Road, Frinton, Liam Cook, 26, of Bushell Way, Frinton and Francis Wilding, 21, of Melton Close, Clacton have all been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal.

Schools across north Essex and Suffolk were burgled between August 2012 and May 2013.

Computer equipment was stolen.

Officers raided homes in Clacton in October and made a number of arrests.

Rural primary schools in particular had laptops stolen.

The suspects have been released on bail to appear at West Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 18.