VANDALS caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a factory that supplies bandages to the NHS.

Police believe children broke into Vernon Carus on Johnson New Road at around 8pm last night.

The factory, which supplies sterile surgical dressings for the NHS and overseas companies, was covered in foam from fire extinguishers and the factory's weaving machines were contaminated.

Officers believe the children climbed over a roof and broke in through the factory's fire escape.

DS Paul Elms said: "Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done to the factory.

"We have good forensic evidence which will take time to analyse but in the meantime we are asking parents in the Hoddlesden area to think about where their children were on Sunday night."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area should contact police on 01254 353842 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0845 555111.