A gaping hole was left in a deputy head teacher’s office after a 4x4 was used to pull a radiator through the wall during a burglary.

It’s unclear what they were after as, despite their best efforts to gain access to the Westlands School, it’s understood they left the scene empty-handed.

The one metre by one metre gap was discovered at the back of the building by an assistant head teacher who arrived at the site at 5.30am this morning and went to investigate after finding their office flooded.

Officers were called to the scene at 6.34am as well as forensics to gather evidence.

Tyre marks suggest the vehicle gained access by driving across a field at the back of the school. A metal fence panel and benches were also knocked down.

It’s understood there was some damage caused to the brickwork and some sort of strapping pushed through and wrapped around the radiator before being tied to the vehicle which was then driven forward to rip it out of the room which is used by Stephen Scales.

The school in Westlands Avenue, Sittingbourne, is open to students as normal.

Head teacher Simon Cox said: “They got into the office but didn’t get through to the central part of the school as there was a locked door. There’s no damage beyond the office.

"Nothing was taken and nothing was compromised in terms of confidentiality. Maybe they were disturbed.

“We wonder what they were looking for. Perhaps they thought there was something in there but we can’t work out what it was. Or perhaps they were scared of setting alarms off if they went further, we just don’t know.

“Because the radiator was pulled through there’s been a large flood and about three or four offices have been affected.

“The one they got into has been totally ruined. It’s going to need new flooring, the wall bricked up and decorating. It’s a few thousand pounds worth of damage.

“My main concern was getting the school secure so it’s being bricked up as we speak.”

Meanwhile, damage was caused to a wall at Hartlip Primary School in School Lane after it was targeted in ‘a similar way’ to Westlands overnight. Police were called at 6.40am. Full details are yet to be revealed.

The site is closed to pupils today but is expected to reopen tomorrow.

DS Darryll Paulson said: “We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiries and I would urge anyone nearby who saw or heard anything suspicious to contact the police as your information might be able to help with our ongoing enquiries.’

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact DS Paulson on 01634 792350 quoting reference 06-176. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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