VANDALS have smashed up an abandoned house near Lexden Park, in Colchester .

Residents say it is heartbreaking to see how yobs have destroyed the once grand detached house, in St Clare Drive.

Police have urged the owners to take action to make it secure after reports of youngsters causing damage to it.

Residents say broken windows and fires are an almost daily occurrence.

One resident, who did not want to be names, described the house, from the Twenties, as once being very handsome, but said neighbours are getting nervous.

They said people are coming across from the nearby Lexden Park nature reserve to cause damage.

The property has been empty for a number of years.

It is set back from a private road off St Clare Road and backs on to an overgrown green space, which can be accessed from the park.

There are holes in the boards that cover the broken windows and the front door has been removed. The front garden is strewn with timber and other crumbling parts of the house.

Teenagers have been seen in the upstairs rooms and in the overgrown garden.

Fires were started in the trees near the house during the summer holidays.

Essex Police say the most recent damage happened on August 18.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We have received reports of teenagers gaining access via Lexden Park.

“Officers want to stress that this type of mindless vandalism is not acceptable and they are committing a criminal offence and the house, although not occupied, is owned by someone.

“The property has been derelict for some time.

“Individuals and companies involved in such long-term construction and regeneration projects are advised to consider taking appropriate security measures to keep the premises secure.”

Anyone with information can call Det Con Tim Harris at Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.