A school in Northampton was forced to close its doors to pupils today after thieves caused a gas leak by stealing copper piping.
The intruders broke into Arbours Primary School, in St Gregory’s Road, overnight and stole 12 metres of copper pipe on an outside wall causing gas to spill into the whole school.
It was only discovered by staff at 7am.
Head Kat Johnson said: “The gas must have been leaking all night. Just a simple spark would have caused a big explosion.”
The gas supply was eventually switched off by the caretaker and an emergency team from Amey, the company responsible for the school maintenance 20 minutes later.
Miss Johnson described the incident as a ‘lucky escape’ for the school.
Police and British Gas were also alerted. Parents of more than 300 pupils were also notified of the closure via the school website and on Twitter.