A SCHOOL has been damaged by floods caused by vandals who targeted the school’s boiler room for copper.

The vandals broke into Catchgate Primary School near Annfield Plain last night, Tuesday, August 3.

They stole the copper piping from the school’s boiler system which has caused major flooding and damage.

A spokesperson from the school said on social media: “It is with great sadness and huge disappointment today we discovered that someone had broken into school last night.

“The perpetrator(s) have ripped off the boiler house door, forced entry and then helped themselves to copper piping, whilst causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to our domestic hot water, heating and filtration systems, also causing major flooding to the boiler house which has saturated through the walls and into school causing further structural damage and destroying the flooring.

“This selfish, mindless act is not only going to be very costly but has now caused major disruption to the summer programme of works whilst we now try to arrange and plan emergency repairs.

“Staff on-site today have worked exceptionally hard and are to be praised for how they have handled the situation. Now, they and the rest of us are left feeling demoralised and violated as another random act of vandalism is carried out on our school.

“The time, energy and money spent on this should rightfully be invested in our children – but I’m sure that that never even crossed the mind of the person responsible.”

Durham Police have been informed, attended the site and are continuing with their investigation. They are appealing to anyone who may have information or witnessed the incident.

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