YOUNGSTERS are being warned to stay away from Malmesbury Secondary School's two former buildings.

Demolition is due to begin in two weeks on the old schools at Filands and Corn Gastons ready for the town's new multi-million pound school to open after Easter at Corn Gastons, but over the weekend vandals got into the buildings at the Corn Gastons site and began some demolition of their own.

Teenagers are believed to have broken into the school and held an impromptu party at which windows were smashed.

"We want everyone to know that this site is out of bounds and we will respond to any reports of trespassing," said a spokesman for Malmesbury Police. He said that the word had spread through the town's youth that it was okay for them to go into the school and cause damage, as it is to be demolished. This was definitely not the case, he reiterated.

He said that both buildings were dangerous places to be, particularly because asbestos is present. Specialists are to begin removing the dangerous material from the buildings this week.

Police are to talk to several young people in connection with the incident.

Last week vandals also smashed the side window of the school minibus at Corn Gastons, causing £200 of damage.

If you have information about either incident, contact police on (01666) 822222.