Ancient castle damaged by vandals

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English Heritage said some smashed stones were impossible to repair

Vandals have damaged part of a Cornish castle dating back to the 11th Century.

The offenders struck in the early hours of Sunday and pulled a number of large stones from the wall of the Great Hall at Launceston Castle.

English Heritage, which maintains and runs the castle on behalf of the Duchy of Cornwall, said the stones were smashed and impossible to repair.

Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the incident and examining CCTV footage.

The castle was first built by William the Conqueror's half-brother in 1075.

It was largely rebuilt in the 13th Century, but some components from the 11th Century and 12th Century remain.

'Very angry'

"The wall that was damaged was up to 800-years-old and had only survived in small fragments," said Sian Thomas, who works at the castle.

"It is irreplaceable and can't be repaired."

I was really upset and very angry - these vandals are ripping up our heritage because they are drunk and they think it's funny Sian Thomas, Launceston Castle

As the castle is classified under law as a scheduled ancient monument, anyone who is caught damaging it can be prosecuted.

Miss Thomas, who discovered the damage, added: "We suffer quite badly from vandalism, but this has got to be the worst damage I have seen in the two years I've been working here.

"I was really upset and very angry - these vandals are ripping up our heritage because they are drunk and they think it's funny.

"We think this latest incident happened at about 0330 BST on Sunday as a number of people have come forward saying they heard noises from the site at that time.

"Police do patrol the site and they are currently looking at CCTV footage.

"We are appealing for anyone with information about this vandal attack to come forward."