BOSSES at Rochester airport are warning lives could be lost because of mindless vandalism of aircraft.

Vandals have tampered with 17 planes and seriously damaged four others, including setting fire to an aeroplane wing which was full of fuel on Monday.

Airport director Paul Richardson is afraid either the intruders or a plane owner could die as a result.

"Every time there is a break-in we have to inspect all the planes to make sure we know what damage has been done," he said. "Setting fire to a plane containing aviation fuel could blow someone to pieces. We are very concerned."

Mr Richardson said vandals had been cutting their way through the wire netting next to the Toys R Us store for a few months but he thought that could be the work of thieves stealing from the shops at the Horsted Retail Park wanting a getaway route.

But in the past week the intruders have been cutting through the wire to tamper with the aircraft, breaking locks, setting off fire extinguishers and opening first aid kits.

Mr Richardson said: "They go through the first aid kits and play with the fire extinguishers but they don't seem to be looking for valuable items.

"On Monday someone made a wick of paper and put it in the wing of a plane, setting light to it. Obviously it's very dangerous and could have killed somebody."

The planes, mostly Grumans, Cessnas and Faulkner motor-gliders are owned by private individuals. Anyone with information about the vandalism should call Medway Police on 01634 884033.