Old Town school is flooded after metal thieves strip lead from roof

Jason Henderson, head of Clapham Terrace Primary, said staff had originally reported a little water running down the walls when they went in last Thursday to do some work ahead of the new term.

But over the weekend the same - or another thief - must have returned and stripped out more of the lead which meant that when it rained on Tuesday, three of the classrooms, the kitchen and the main hall, had water pouring down the walls.

No estimate of the damage has yet been made although two interactive whiteboards - which replaced the traditional blackboards - appear to have been damaged.

A spokeswoman for Warwickshire County Council said the full cost of the damage, including any electrial problems, would not be known until everything had dried out.

Mr Henderson said; “On Tuesday our main hall and computer suite had leaks, our year 5 classroom was badly flooded and there was water running down the walls of the Year 4 classroom.

“The kitchen was also full of dirty water and our older pupils had no access to the toilets. As a result we had to send the children home.”

All 180 pupils were able to return on Wednesday although parents were asked to provide packed lunches or take children home for a meal as the kitchen could still not be used.

PC Andy Whiston of Leamington South Safer Neighbourhood Team said a man was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning on suspicion of theft, and later released on bail pending further enquiries.

PC Whiston added: “We are visiting the school to see what crime prevention advice we can give. We are aware that metal thefts are taking place due to the high price of all metals at the moment.”

Patrols along the towpath close to the school will also be stepped up.

Anyone who witnessed anybody acting suspiciously, is asked to call Leamington police on 415000 or the Crimestoppers number, anonymously, on 0800 555111.