IPSWICH: A suspected burglar has been arrested after a break-in at an Ipswich pre-school, it can be revealed today.

Police confirmed the man had been questioned by officers about the burglary at St Mary’s pre-school in Woodbridge Road, although he has not been charged as the inquiry is still to be concluded.

Louise Rosher, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said: “A 32-year-old Ipswich man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary in relation to the incident.”

During the break-in, which occurred sometime over a four-day period, a cordless phone and stereo were taken after a thief managed to get into a padlocked cupboard.

The burglary was discovered when play leader Vanessa Plampin arrived for work at the building which is shared with St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.

“I walked in and just had a feeling something was up,” she said shortly afterwards.

“Often some of the children who go to Mass at the church on Sundays will try to play with the door handles, but I realised the phone was gone, and then the CD player was missing and some of the cupboards had been forced.”

The burglary happened in the church hall sometime between 4pm on Friday, March 11, and 8am on Monday, March 14.

Mrs Plampin said some of the church’s property was also damaged.

Although the pre-school had to be closed while police began their investigation, it opened again for the afternoon session on March 14.

Anyone with any information about the burglary is asked to telephone Pc Daniel Aston on 01473 613500 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.