THE hunt was under way today for the vandals who caused tens of thousands of pounds' worth of flooding damage to a New Forest school.

The flooding brought down ceilings and ruined carpets at a Hardley School.

Computers were also soaked and may have been wrecked after intruders broke into the school near Fawley and turned on two taps in cleaners' cupboard on the first floor and blocked the sink at the 1,000 pupil comprehensive.

Head teacher Robert Underwood commented: "A full police investigation is under way and we would urge anyone who has information to contact them as quickly as possible.

"They are obviously anxious that people should realise just how much damage has been done by these people."

Mr Underwood added that full checks were continuing into the amount of examination coursework which had been damaged, although the signs were that it may not have been severe.

Some work was contained in computers which were soaked when water poured down to the first floor and checks were also being made to see if that work had been lost.

The damage was also a shock for head caretaker Dave Drury. He said: "All the staff take a pride in keeping the place nice. This damage is completely mindless."

The vandals are believed to have broken in through a skylight in the workshop corridor on the south side of the main building.

Their antics meant that the comprehensive school, which has 1,050 pupils, was closed on Monday.

It was partially closed yesterday and today when years 10 and 11 and the sixth form went back.

There is a full closure tomorrow and years nine, ten and 11 are due in on Friday, with a decision yet to be taken on the possibility of full reopening on Monday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Chris Orr at Hythe Police Station on 0845 045 45 45.