A corridor at Friarage School, in Longwestgate, was left drenched after the water came flooding in from the ceiling.

Headteacher Eilis Siddal said: "There has been extensive flooding in one of the corridors.

"We only noticed some lead had been taken when it started raining on Wednesday and the water was pouring from the roof.

"It has left a huge mess and will cost a lot of money to repair."

Mrs Siddal said: "I think this may have happened over a couple of weekends. It would appear to have been a professional job.

"I would have thought the lead would have been heavy as well.

"We have had excellent support from the local authority and hopefully we will get the problem sorted soon."

Teachers had to put buckets and sheets down to mop up the mess before a local building firm put up sheeting in the roof to prevent more water coming through.

Scaffolding has been put up around the building to ensure the safety of the children.

Scarborough police are investigating the theft.

Last year lead thieves struck three times at the Rotunda Museum.

In December they stole a large amount from the roof, causing serious concern as the project was almost complete.

Last month thieves tried to steal lead flashing from the roof of Scarborough's Spa Complex, but were disturbed before they could loosen any of the metal.

They used a screwdriver to try to dislodge it but when they were discovered they ran off in the direction of Esplanade.