A PRIMARY school roof has been stripped of lead, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Staff arrived at Cestria Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, on Tuesday to find a ceiling had collapsed after rain leaked in through the roof. An investigation of the roof revealed that thieves had stolen a significant amount of lead.

The Northern Echo:

Headteacher Lorraine Gowland said the theft would be sickening at any time, but particularly when the school remains open while staff look after the children of key workers during the coronavirus restrictions.

Mrs Gowland said: "We are open for critical workers' children who are so vital to everything that is going on right now.

"That makes it all the more sickening that something like this would happen, that someone would target a school at this of all times.

"We are insured but there will be a cost, we don't know the exact extent of the damage but it will cost thousands to repair. The guys who went up on the roof said whoever did this must have been up there all night.

"The parents, as ever, have been very supportive and have sent really nice emails and made phone calls of support and talked of fundraising."

The Northern Echo:

The incident is thought to have happened between Friday and Monday nights, anyone with information should call Durham police on 101.