A SHROPSHIRE SCHOOL was forced to close today after thieves attempting to steal metal caused part of the roof to collapse.

The roof of school buildings at the Burton Borough School in Newport was left in a dangerous state by thieves at the weekend and high winds caused further damage overnight.

The headteacher was today forced to call off lessons over pupil safety.

Repairs were being made today and the school is expected to be open as usual tomorrow.

Police are investigating the theft of about £500 of copper from the school, which took place between 5pm on Friday and 4.45am on Saturday.

Headteacher David Hill said the discovery was made by the school’s site team at 6am.

“The roof has certainly suffered major damaged,” said Mr Hill.

“I was on site just after 7.30am and we were making assessments but as we were standing there the felt that was under the copper was flying around.

“Because we did not have any safety fences to make the site safe we had to take the decision, I’m afraid, to close the school to pupils for today. It’s a decision we took as a last resort.”

Nigel Newman, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “Over the weekend, thieves attempted to remove metal from the roof of school buildings which has made the roofing unsafe. This situation has then been made worse by high winds overnight.

“Repairs will be made today and the school will open as normal tomorrow.”

The school’s 1,060 pupils were told not to attend today but for many the message arrived too late or not at all.

A parent, who did not want to be named, said: “My son went to school this morning but was turned away and told to come back tomorrow.

“I didn’t know anything about it until my son called me at work and told me. I had no message from the school.”

West Mercia Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them and for scrap dealers in the borough to be vigilant.

Spokeswoman Denise Wakefield said the police are investigating the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0845 555 111.

By Paul Mannion