THIEVES have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after striking at a school's two sites during the summer holidays.

Horrified staff at Langley Hall Primary Academy found thieves had ripped lead from its roof after water flooded the third floor of the Station Road school on Monday last week.

It followed thieves breaking in to its lower school, in St Mary’s Road, on July 27, before hacking the fuel caps off two school minibus and stealing diesel. Fuel leaked all over the playground floor and it is now having to be redone.

The school now faces a bill of more than £10,000 for repairs after the two incidents.

Helen Powell, facilities manager, said: “Everyone is astounded that anyone would do this. It’s just awful. They are so callous. The knock on effect it’s had is potentially costing us thousands. The insurance won’t pay for all of it. Money we would have used for the children is now having to go on other things, just to make the schools safe again.” Extra CCTV has been installed at the lower school and staff are hoping builders will start work repairing the roof next week. The lead - worth around £400 - was found rolled up and ready to be taken off the roof. It will be replaced with plastic.

The water flooded a communal area, cloak room and toilets. Staff say although they are facing a 'big job’ to get the school ready for opening in two weeks’ time, it will open as normal.

Mrs Powell said money had been put aside to be spent on sprucing up the school for the new term. But she said it has now gone on emergency repair work - meaning the children ultimately lose out.

She added: “It is unbelievable. These thieves have risked their lives. If they took the lead it would have been worth £400. It is going to cost us up to £10,000.” Anyone with information should call police on 101.