VANDALS diced with death when they tried to explode an aerosol in a village hall microwave.

Police are investigating the incident, involving vandals who broke into Langstone Village Hall on Old Chepstow Road sometime between Friday and Saturday nights.

They trashed the hall, smashing china, smearing cleaning products around, attempting to set fire to cigarette packets and fast food wrappers and letting off all the fire extinguishers.

An aerosol can of cleaning spray was also found in the kitchen microwave.

A spokesman for South Wales Fire service said whoever tried to microwave the aerosol took their life in their hands. He said: "When you heat an aerosol it can explode.

"The explosion would be enough to blow the door off the microwave at great force, possibly causing flying metal.

"This kind of behaviour is very dangerous and potentially life-threatening."

Leanne Phillips, 32, treasurer of the village hall committee, said: "They were obviously trying to do more damage than they managed. It's terrifying."

The vandals managed to get into the hall despite extra security, including padlocks and boarded-up windows, brought in after four previous break-ins this year.

Mrs Phillips was only just back from her honeymoon with new husband, Clive, when she was called to the hall by police on Saturday evening.

She said: "It was a shock and really disheartening because it just keeps happening."

Groups will not be able to use the hall until September.

Local dad Paul Simpson, 52, said his three-year-old son Jonathan will miss the playgroup. He said: "It's just mindless vandalism."

Ward councillor David Atwell said: "It's very disappointing and disheartening."

Anyone who can help with the clean-up operation should contact Leanne Phillips on 01633 413954