Vandals smashed their way into the Coastguard Station at Hayling Island, Hants and went on a wrecking spree that put the centre out of action for 36 hours.

They slashed tyres on the emergency vehicle, ransacked the life-saving equipment, scattered First Aid kits over the floor and set off a fire extinguisher over their efforts.

They also stole a mobile phone, a GPS, and 10 flares including orange smoke, white star and white parachute. It is the second time in 12 months the station has been attacked.