TENS OF thousands of pounds' worth of damage has been caused after taps were left running and water cascaded through a building at a school in Chandler's Ford.

Police investigations were continuing today into the flooding drama at Lakeside School, which is a Local Education Authority maintained special school for secondary age boys with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Officers, who were called to the school on Monday morning, have taken video film of the extensive damage which could leave a repair bill of £30,000.

A major mopping up operation has been under way, including removing carpets which had been destroyed by floodwater.

An Eastleigh police spokesman said the offenders entered the two-storey building, turned on all the taps and then blocked sinks and plugholes.

It was the only the sound of water cascading through the building, which has not been used for some time, that alerted staff 63-pupil school in Winchester Road.

In a statement, Lakeside head teacher Gareth Evans said: "On Monday, April 7 a disused building on the school site was broken into.

"Taps were turned on and water came out of the sinks and flooded the floors.

"The building has not been in use for some time and is part of the complex of school buildings. The disused building was virtually empty with no furniture."

Mr Evans said damage had been caused to carpets, flooring and possibly the ceilings.

The major replacement cost could involve the electrics and flooring.

It is thought that the taps could have been running for about half an hour before staff heard running water.

Mr Evans added: "It is an unfortunate incident which is being fully investigated by the police."

A Hampshire County Council spokesman said: "The police are investigating the incident and someone from the county council will be assessing the extent of the damage."

The Chandler's Ford incident comes just days after vandals caused tens of thousands of pounds worth' of flooding damage to Hardley School in the New Forest.

The flooding brought down ceilings and ruined carpets.

Computers were also soaked after intruders broke into the comprehensive school near Fawley and turned on two taps in the cleaner's cupboard on the first floor and blocked the sink.