Staff at Avoncroft Museum are reeling after they were forced to close within 24 hours of re-opening their doors again after a 'mindless' vandal attack.

The Bromsgrove open-air museum houses historic buildings, in a similar style to the Black Country Living Museum, and had windows smashed on a number of exhibits on Saturday evening. The inside of the Toll House and Nailers Cottage have also been severely damaged by intruders, with plates and ornaments broken. Speaking on social media, a spokesperson for the museum said:

"It is with enormous sadness that we have to announce that the museum will be closed today [Sunday]. Unfortunately we were subjected to a vandal attack yesterday evening.

"There is a lot of work to be done by police and forensics, and by our small team to clear up a lot of broken glass throughout the site, and it's just not safe to open."

Staff also called on residents to get in contact if they knew any local tradespeople who were available to help and said they were "astonished" by the good will of local residents over the weekend. Many turned up on site with brooms and equipment to help the clear up effort and bosses said their faith had been restored in society.

On Twitter, Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid said:

"[It's] deeply upsetting to see this appalling vandalism take place at @AvoncroftMuseum. My thoughts are with the staff and volunteers who would have been looking forward to opening again after many months closed. If anyone has any information, please call local police on 101."

A crowdfunding page has been set up and donations can be made online at avoncroft.org.uk.