VANDALS ransacked a farm cottage and smashed up property during two illegal raves at a countryside beauty spot.

Shocked residents looked on as up to 40 cars headed towards a secluded farm in Chartridge, near Chesham.

Hundreds of young ravers danced until dawn to loud music in a field adjoining old flint and brick farm buildings. During the night, the buildings were targeted by vandals who shattered windows, ripped doors off their hinges and daubed walls with red paint and graffiti.

Agricultural machinery, a number of mobile homes and cars were also damaged.

Nick Butterworth, who lives in a neighbouring farmhouse, is disgusted.

He said: "The whole place has been left an absolutely disgrace a disgrace beyond anything. I've spoken to all my neighbours and they all agree this must be nipped in the bud as quickly as possible. Everybody is very concerned about this."

The events, the most recent of which was staged on Saturday April 21, started after gates to the site were smashed down to allow the organisers to set up their equipment and sound systems.

The raves are thought to be well planned with people paying to get in. Some neighbours believe revellers could be coming from out of the district from as far as London.

The farm's elderly owner was away when the raves took place but the man who owns the adjoining field is furious.

The businessman, who did not want to be named, said: "The state of the vandalism has been quite appalling, complete hooliganism. I'm upset that it has come to this."

A police investigation is under way but officers, who say the raves are illegal, are warning would-be party goers to steer clear of similar gatherings.

Kate Spark, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "We would advise anyone who is thinking of attending a future gathering of this nature to be aware they may be committing a criminal offence and could be liable to arrest."

Anyone with information about these raves should call WPC Bridget Colston at Amersham Police on 01494 465888