POLICE and council officials are shocked by the latest spate of vandalism at Exeter landmark Millers Crossing bridge.

For the second time in 12 months, the bridge, which spans the Exe at St Davids, has been the target of vandals who came especially prepared.

In the previous incident, they caused an estimated £20,000 damage to lights on the bridge.

Now they have struck again and it is believed the latest cost of repairs will also run into thousands.

PC Chris Leisk, who is investigating the latest incident, said it was believed to have happened when a group of youngsters were on the bridge.

"We believe that an instrument, like a crowbar, was used to remove the plastic covers and then smash all the glass on the lights.

"The plastic covers were then thrown into the river."

About 20 lights, 10 on either side of the bridge, were smashed. The officer said the county council estimated the earlier incident cost £20,000 to put right, and £300 had already been spent making the bridge safe after the latest attack.

"We would very much like to find those who were responsible for this vandalism. It is not just because the bridge is a tourist attraction that has many visitors but there is the public safety aspect too."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "I'm appalled at such mindless vandalism and at the end of the day, it's all of us, as taxpayers, that end up having to foot the repair bill.

"The damage is still being assessed but early estimates suggest it could cost more than £10,000 to repair. I would urge anyone with any information to call the police."

The £700,000 bridge was opened in October 2002 as a pedestrian and cycle link between the east and west sides of Exeter.

The mill theme is carried through the bridge's design, which is anchored by two giant mill wheels.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference DE/10/6983.