VANDALS who deliberately destroyed letters when they used fireworks to blow up two post boxes in Malton have been criticised by police and the Royal Mail.

Sergeant Ann Barker, of Malton Police, said the two incidents - the first in the Malton area - were "sheer vandalism" and could have resulted in someone being injured.

The attacks follow a similar incident in Main Street, Bishopthorpe, York.

A post box at The Ridings, Langton Road, Malton was targeted some time between noon on Friday and 9am on Monday.

The attack, in which several letters were blown up, was discovered by a postal worker and reported to police.

A second post box in Yorkersgate, Malton, was targeted just before 6pm on Saturday when a lit firework was thrown into the box, starting a fire and destroying the contents.

The incident is thought to have been picked up by CCTV and footage is being examined by officers.

Sgt Barker said: "It's just sheer vandalism, and an extremely dangerous thing to do.

"There could be all sorts of valuable items in the post, from documents to cheques, and they are just being destroyed in these thoughtless acts of vandalism."

A Royal Mail spokesman said customers who were concerned that their letters had been damaged should contact the customer services department on 08457 740740.

He said: "We condemn these wanton acts of vandalism. At this time of year it is a growing problem."

Fireworks were again used to damage a telephone box in York.

Youngsters were being blamed for the attack outside The Magpie pub in Penleys Grove Street, at 8.40pm yesterday.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the telephone receiver was blown up by a firework, although the cubicle remained intact.

Youngsters were also seen to put fireworks underneath a nearby car. Investigations are ongoing.

Updated: 11:23 Wednesday, October 29, 2003