VANDALS struck at Tavistock College last week, causing more than £30,000 worth of damage — and the final bill could be even higher.

The college's science block — currently the site of major refurbishment — was severely hit.

The block is surrounded by scaffolding as builders have been working on the roof and windows.

Police said that last weekend what was presumed to be a group of youths climbed the scaffolding to the top floor and removed the tarpaulin covering the roof.

PC Gary Kellock, of Tavistock Police, said: 'The roof was being worked on in three sections. Water had been collecting over the middle section in a swimming pool effect, but the vandals removed roofing felt so that it became like a sink.'

Six ceilings partially collapsed and six parquet floors were ruined. The vandals also gained entry to the building via a second floor window and collected various items in bags, but these were left on the premises.

PC Kellock said forensic scientists had been at the scene of the crime to collect evidence.

College vice-principal Graham Stoate said the damage was largely caused by heavy rain during the weekend following the removal of the tarpaulin.

'Contractors were replacing the roof and windows of the block. It seems the culprits tried to get in through the roof, and having been foiled in that tried another entrance.'

Mr Stoate said the cost of the damage — estimated at more than £30,000 at present — might still rise, as they had not been able to assess the effect on electrical equipment in the block due to damage to the electrics.

'Our security measures, which were already very tight, have been increased as a result of this incident.

'Staff are working hard to put matters right before the start of term, although it is very serious.

'But we are hopeful all will be well and the building itself will be right by then.'

He added that it was 'all very unfortunate'.

'We're disappointed that people should feel the need to do this. There was nothing to steal as such as everything of real value was locked away. This is a shame when things are being done to improve the college generally.'

The damage occurred between 5.30pm last Friday and 8am on Monday. A number of properties overlook the school and the police are hoping a resident may have seen something suspicious.

Anyone with any information which may be of assistance is asked to contact Tavistock police station on 08705 777444.

Town mayor Ken Sanders said his reaction was 'one of horror'. 'This is a college for the benefit of the community, and particularly the young of the town, and someone, presumably young, destroys it, so everyone loses.

'We see this to a small extent in the Meadows,' he added, referring to the recent destruction of the attendant's hut and removal of seats.

'They managed to unbolt seats and carry them to Crowndale Farm, where they threw them in the river and canal — and they are heavy seats. If only we could channel that energy into more productive areas,' he said.