A SCHOOL was forced to close for two days just as pupils were about to sit their SATs exams after thieves knocked out its water supply when they stole a boiler and copper pipes.

St Andrew's Primary, in Beamish Close, North Weald, has finally reopened this morning but is still without a proper supply of hot water after burglars struck over the weekend.

It is estimated that the total damaged caused will run into tens of thousands of pounds, although police think the thieves would only be able to make a few hundred pounds if they were to sell the material for scrap.

Headteacher Gill Young said staff were in shock following the raid.

She said: “Our caretaker Lesley Mead arrived at the school at about 6.50am on Monday morning and found the boiler room door had been pushed in and there was water gushing out.

“She was quite the hero as she managed to turn the water off with a wrench, got a plumber to the school within 45 minutes and alerted staff like me very quickly so that we could close for the day.”

Despite the disruption, staff managed to install chemical toilets and temporary heating within hours so that year six pupils were able to sit their SATs exams.

Other temporary measures have been installed in the meantime, but pupils have been encouraged to wear extra layers to keep warm until a new boiler is fitted - which may not be until next week at the earliest.

Ms Young added: “It's just not on that these people are hitting children in society like this.

“However I want to say a big thank you to all the parents and relatives who have been very supportive in this time of crisis.”

Other schools in the district have now been warned amid fears that the thieves could strike again.

A police spokesman said: “It is disgraceful that people should attack a school in this way.

“If anyone has any information or thinks they may have seen something can they please get in touch with us on 0300 333 4444.”