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Man arrested after '£200k of damage' done to Bobbing Village school in Sittingbourne
06:00, 24 August 2021
updated: 11:28, 24 August 2021
A school is facing a race against time to fix its roof after '£200,000 of damage' was done to it.
Scaffolding has been erected at Bobbing Village school, in Sittingbourne, as workers attempt to fix the roof after lead was taken from it.
Nearby home owners spotted a person they thought was working on the roof at the weekend taking and loading the lead into his car.
The concerned resident inspected the area afterwards and noticed there was some damage to the fencing, before reporting it to police who arrested someone on Monday at around 2pm.
Bobbing Village school is part of the Timu Multi Academy Trust.
Chief executive Diane Browning said: "We are greatly disappointed that someone would carry out such a crime on our school.
"The damage is extensive, not only to the roof but subsequently to the interior due to water damage.
'Swift action has been taken to start emergency repairs...'
"Fortunately, swift action has been taken to start emergency repairs to prevent further interior damage and make sure the site is safe.
"We will therefore open the school on time as planned despite the ongoing building work.
"After two disruptive school years due to Covid19, dealing with this was considerably more straightforward. We would like to thank the local community for their support.”
Ms Browning revealed the roof alone will cost around £100,000 without taking into account interior damage.
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft, going equipped for stealing and criminal damage.
It's thought £200,000 will be needed to repair the roof, with two classrooms affected.
A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at around 1.15pm on Monday to Sheppey Way in Bobbing, following a report of a man behaving suspiciously.
"Officers attended the scene and as a part of their inquiries stopped a car in Juno Road, Sittingbourne.
"The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of theft, going equipped for stealing and criminal damage.
"A 24-year-old man from Essex has been released on bail until September 10.
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