Security is to be stepped up following a fire and a number of break-ins at Epping Forest College. 

The derelict Middle Building in Borders Lane, Loughton, was badly damaged by fire on Friday (May 8) by youths who broke in at around 6.30pm, according to the college. 

No one was injured and Essex Fire Service have confirmed that the fire was a 'deliberate ignition' of the building.

The college said the building had become a target for "kids" who regularly break in to the three-storey building. 

'Keep out' signs have been removed and bricks thrown, while there have been a number of small fires in the two months leading up to Friday's incident, the college said. 

Epping Forest College's Jenny Gebka said teenagers gained access to the building, which is no longer structurally sound, despite it being boarded up.

She said: "We have turned up to open the college some mornings and seen people running out of the old building.

"The middle site has been closed for a few year’s but it is only recently that the break-in problem started.

“Even after the fire on Friday youths still broke in twice more that weekend.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Markings from the fire can be seen on the building which has been left structurally unsound.

“We are not even allowed to enter the building now as it is structurally not safe.

“Kids have been getting in by pulling off boards placed against windows and doors.

“They are vandalising the site by setting things alight, throwing bricks and smashing glass.

“It is costing the college so much money to try and prevent the problem.

“We are now having to look at further security measures such as metal guards to secure the whole building.

“The police are aware and we are working together in hopes of minimising the problem.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating a number of burglaries which have occurred at Epping Forest College in Borders Lane, Loughton.

"Attempts were made to gain entry between 6am on May 1 and 5.45am on May 5 by smashing a window and attempting to force a door but no entry was gained.

"Between 9.30pm on May 6 and 6.15am on May 7 boarding from a window was pulled off and the window was smashed.

"Damage was also caused to a transport buggy.

"Then between 5.45am and noon on May 7 attempts were again made to smash a window to gain entry and then between 8pm on May 7 and 6.30am on May 8 attempts were again made to gain entry via boarded up windows.

"Police are liaising with the college and examining CCTV to identify who may be responsible."