A COLLEGE chief has hit out at the graffiti yob who vandalised one of their buildings.

The attack at Saint Mary's College, Shear Brow, Blackburn, has left principal Kevin McMahon 'annoyed and upset' and he said it could not have happened at a worse time as many students embarked on crucial exams.

Blackburn police have launched an investigation in to the vandalism and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Police believe the graffiti was daubed on temporary classrooms at the site some time between April 25 and 28. It is not yet clear how much the spray paint will cost to remove.

Mr McMahon said: "There seems to have been an attempted break-in and we discovered the graffiti on the rear of the building as well.

"The temporary classrooms are there while refurbishment work is carried out so we have lodged a claim to get them sorted out.

"I think it's a shame that this kind of thing is done to any property, let alone our college buildings.

"It is annoying and upsetting that people's time is taken up by having to clean this sort of thing rather than attending to the needs of students.

"The experience of students was inconvenienced at such a crucial time of the year for many of them."

He added that they were in the process of cleaning up the graffiti.

A police spokesman said: "Whoever has done this needs to be tracked down.

"The graffiti will be costly to remove and we are keen to hear from any one who knows who carried out this act."

If you have any information relating to this incident you should ring Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers - anonymously and free - on 0800 555111.

You should quote the reference number 30PQ/280408.