VANDALS have targeted the front of a disused showroom during a wrecking spree on the Mannington Retail Park.

The outside of the Comet electrical store, which has since moved to the Orbital Shopping Park in Abbey Meads, was littered with broken glass and smashed signs after the attack, which took place on Wednesday night.

Shopkeepers noticed the devastation the following morning when opening up for business.

Workers at shops near to the Comet store spoke of the trouble that teenagers and vandals are bringing to the retail park. It has become a popular hangout for gangs of youths after dark.

Large glass windows of the building, which is available to let, were smashed with what looked like a football, leaving a trail of dangerous debris on the pavement.

A broken fence stake was also discarded next to the glass.

An assistant manager at a nearby store, who did not want to give his name, said: "Unfortunately this kind of thing is quite common around here. When we arrived at work yesterday morning we were all shocked to see what had happened.

"This is just complete and utter neglect for property and it's shocking to be quite honest the place is empty and it's still been smashed to pieces."

Comet moved from the Mannington Retail Park in October and has since opened up a larger superstore at the Orbital Shopping Park.

According to shop managers, groups of teenagers and car racing are commonplace in the area, which is not closed off at night.

Staff at many stores on the estate including Matalan, Carpet Right, Harvey's and Office World say they now have to attach advertising hoardings and signs to the walls above head height because those at ground level have been smashed in the past.

Comet spokeswoman Ingrid Blake said: "A representative of the Comet property department has been down to the store and is aware of the damage. We are doing what we can do rectify the damage by boarding up broken windows as soon as possible."