Thieves have put Christmas celebrations at a Bradford school in jeopardy by plundering lead from its roof.

Pupils at Thorpe Primary School, Idle, were set to perform a nativity for their peers at another primary school ahead of today’s show for parents.

But the school was forced to close after the building suffered water damage and ceiling tiles caved in.

Staff turned away parents and pupils as the damage affected the electricity supply. Emergency repairs were carried out. Last night, a Bradford Council spokesman said: “As a precautionary measure, the school decided to close. It was as a result of lead being stripped from the roof.”

He said repairs were carried out yesterday and the school was expected to reopen today.

One parent, Odele Ayres, of Idle, whose son attends reception and was due to take part in the Nativity, said: “I’m appalled. It’s just so unfair and it’s a shame because it’s a lovely village school. There are always consequences to something like this.”

Councillor Ed Hall (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: “This kind of mindless vandalism is no help to the school or society, particularly coming up to Christmas when it has disrupted and disappointed children.” Police said it was the latest in a spate of lead thefts at the school since early August and they were working with the managers to bolster security at the site to deter criminals.

Sergeant Dave Collyer, of the Eccleshill Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Work with the school is ongoing as are active inquiries in the community into the reported thefts.

“We would ask anyone who has information about thefts at the school, lead theft generally or where stolen lead is being taken in the area, to contact us at the Eccleshill NPT on (01274) 376168.”

l Meanwhile, two men, aged 24 and 25, were arrested at the Lodge in Roberts Park, Saltaire, at 12.15am yesterday and questioned on suspicion of lead theft. The Telegraph & Argus reported that there had been a series of thefts of lead from buildings in the park.