A private college for overseas students has been hit by a string of late-night vandalism attacks.

Youths have smashed windows and yelled abuse in the incidents.

None of the students has been injured.

But some younger teenagers have been left shocked and upset after rocks and chunks of masonry have crashed into the building, showering the interior with broken glass

Nine attacks have been recorded at the £6,900-a term Brooke House College, in Market Harborough, since the beginning of May.

Most have happened at the weekends. The latest was last Wednesday night, when windows in student accommodation in the town were damaged.

Access through the grounds has now been restricted, but the vandals have resorted to tying bricks to ropes to attack the building over the wall from the street outside.

College leaders fear the attacks could be racist, because many of the 230 students are black or Chinese. Police are looking for a gang of youths who they think may be responsible.

College deputy director Paul Kitchener said: "Thankfully nobody has been injured, despite the fact that large rocks and masonry have been hurled though our windows.

"One hesitates to use the term racist for these attacks, but what other interpretation is there for the action of these mindless morons?

"There have been comments voiced during the attacks, and at our Chinese students in the street and incidents of graffiti on walls in the past, but there has not been vandalism like this before."

"Since the start of May there have been nine separate attacks

"Our large oriel window in the centuries-old heart of the college has been damaged."

He said the college was having to spend thousands of pounds to upgrade security and protect its windows.

He said: "We are increasing the security patrols and installing cameras."

The college caters for boys and girls from 14 to 21. Many go on to study at British universities.

It also operates a summer school and a football academy.

District councillor Sarah Hill lives nearby. She said: "This kind of conduct is unacceptable whatever the motivation.

"I urge people who have information about the attacks and who is doing it to contact the police immediately."

Town beat officer PC Malc Roberts is investigating the attacks. He said: "These offences are not just mindless and stupid, they are also extremely dangerous.

"If one of the students or staff had been hit by a brick coming through a window they could have been badly and permanently injured."

Last month police issued an appeal after a group of youths was seen breaking windows in the school's games room.

Pcso Elaine Morton said she did not believe the attacks were racist.

She said: "The area around the college is dark and out of sight."

She added: "We are keen to trace those responsible for these offences as soon as possible and we would urge anyone with any information to contact either me or Pc Roberts by phoning us on 0116 222 2222 and leaving us a message."