Public toilets have had to be closed for repairs and cleaning after coming under attack for the second time within a month.

The building outside Dovercourt Swimming Pool - which is run by Tendring District Council (TDC) - was vandalised over the weekend (April 12/13).

Five toilet seats were smashed and both the urinals and sinks were blocked before taps were turned on causing the site to flood with water.

The mess, which included toilet paper being strewn around the building, was discovered by a cleaner when he went to lock up on Saturday evening.

The seats will need to be replaced and the facility cleaned before it can be reopened to the public. It was closed after the incident and it is hoped to have it back in use by Wednesday.

Michael Talbot, Portfolio for the Environment at TDC, said he was frustrated and disappointed with the news.

"I feel sorry for the public who are denied the use of the facility, for our staff and contractors who have to clear up the mess, and for the taxpayer who is left to pick up the bill - which in this case is about £200," he said.

"I am almost lost for words over what pleasure or satisfaction anyone would get from such an act and I implore anyone who can help us catch who is responsible to come forward. If the public can name them, we will prosecute them!"

The cleaners attended the site at 1.30pm on Saturday and went back again at 5pm to lock up which is when the vandalism was discovered and therefore it took place between those two times.

The same site suffered at the hands of vandals on Good Friday. On that occasion they left a trail of destruction which cost £600 to repair.

The toilets have only been reopened for a matter of a couple of weeks before the latest attack.

It has been reported to Police and anyone with information should contact them on 01255 221312 or the Council's anti-social behaviour reporting line on 0845 6052222.