A YORK swimming pool was forced to close today after suffering a devastating vandalism attack.

Police said the culprits used hammers to smash clear blocks at the Joseph Rowntree pool in Hawthorne Terrace, New Earswick - showering the water with glass.

A York police spokesman said the attack happened between 11pm yesterday and 6.30am today. "It caused extensive damage," he said.

A sign was erected at the pool today informing swimmers that the pool would be closed indefinitely because of the vandalism.

The pool is owned and operated by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

A foundation spokeswoman said glass had got into the pool and for safety reasons they would be forced to drain it, clean it out and refill it.

It was hoped to reopen the pool on Wednesday morning.

She said: "We've taken steps to notify all the groups who use the pool. Obviously they are disappointed by what's happened. The matter's been reported to the police."

York Rugby Club's Under-7s team have been forced to move their sponsored swimming gala from the venue because of the damage. The event - which is raising money for a trip to Twickenham - will now take place at St Peter's School tomorrow at 6.30pm.

Updated: 12:25 Friday, May 21, 2004