METAL thieves stole lead for the third time from the roof of a primary school.

The theft, at Birch Primary School, coincided with torrential rain which damaged the walls and floors.

Lessons had to be moved to the school hall.

Lesley Ellis, office manager, said: “They took a whole section off a flat roof, which flooded a classroom and stock cupboard.

“The lead had an approximate value of £1,000 and the flooring in the classroom will have to replaced.

“We have CCTV and they were there for about an hour-and a half and were so bold. It is upsetting when this happens and this is the third time.

“It disrupts a whole class and they don’t think about all the problems it causes.”

Mrs Ellis thanked parents who had offered to help.

The school is speaking to Essex County Council about using alternative materials for the roof on the listed building.

The theft took place just before midnight on Wednesday, May 2.

It was one of six properites targeted by metal thieves in three days.