TEIGNMOUTH'S flood gates were closed for the first time in anger during this week's exceptionally high tides – but one was vandalised.

The tides were the highest of the year, and the new £4 million flood scheme came through with flying colours.

A team of 15 volunteers were alerted by the Environment Agency on Tuesday, and swung into action to close the eight gates protecting the back beach and harbour area.

Some vehicles were trapped behind the closed gates, and one irate driver is believed to have smashed part of the locking mechanism in a bid to drive out.

The deputy gate coordinator, Cllr Dave Matthews, condemned the deliberate damage, and said the police were investigating.

'It was a stupid, senseless thing to.