THIEVES have targeted a Penarth primary school, stealing lead from the roof and leaving the school with a £15,000 bill for replacement and repairs.

Lead roofing was stripped from Albert Primary School on Albert Road last week, causing a leak in the roof and substantial internal damage.

The theft occurred overnight on Tuesday, July 24.

Huw Jones, headmaster at Albert Primary, said: "Water was cascading into the building as a result of lead being removed.

"Damage has been done to our PE equipment, the infant hall and the staff room.

"I am saddened that anyone could target a school for its lead without thinking about the consequences it would have," he said.

"We will now have to use money out of our budget for repairs that could have been spent on much better things.

"If these people have children of their own, I wonder how they would feel if someone did it to their school.

"In a sense we are lucky that it has happened at the end of term - otherwise we wouldn't have been able to open the school."

A 39 year-old woman from Grangetown was arrested this week in connection with the theft of lead from a number of properties in Penarth.

Police say there has been an increase in the theft of metal and lead from public buildings in the town and have issued an appeal for information.

If you have any information you should contact Inspector Mark Taylor at Penarth Police Station on 029 2022 2111 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555111.