A SHROPSHIRE school was forced to close after allegedly being targeted by thieves.

Lacon Childe School in Cleobury Mortimer, which is attended by many Tenbury children, was forced to shut its doors on February 8 after it was discovered that the building’s electrics had been damaged overnight, the BBC reported.

According to Katie Jones, executive head of the Shropshire Gateway Educational Trust, the supposed thieves attempted to steal copper and lead from the site, damaging wires that were essential for delivering electrical power to several parts of the school.

Year 10 and 11 pupils were able to return to the school on February 9 but the children in key stage three had to remain at home for the day whilst repair work was carried out in affected areas of the building.

Ms Jones said the trust has been working hard to ensure all children will be able to return to the school after the half-term break.

A spokesperson for the West Mercia Police said that enquiries about the case are currently ongoing.