CRUEL thieves breached a security cordon to loot for booze in a nightclub next to the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building, which was devastated by a fire.

Police Scotland confirmed that they are investigating the theft which happened at Campus on Sauchiehall Street on Thursday at around 3.20am.

The Evening Times understands that booze was taken during the raid but the quantity or value is unknown.

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The thieves, however, would have had to breach the security cordon in place to gain access to the popular student spot.

But The Evening Times understands that on-site security staff interrupted them - and they bolted from the scene.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Enquiries are continuing following a housebreaking at a premises on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow around 3.20am on Thursday, June 22."

The security breach comes after Glasgow City Council's building control took over the cordon from the emergency services earlier this week.

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Although the cordon was significantly reduced, the public were warned

that there remains a risk to safety and were asked to stay from the area.

The local authority said “a substantial” exclusion zone would remain in place for the foreseeable future while they work to establish the condition of buildings involved in the fire including Campus.

Glasgow City Council, however, slammed the thieves who were involved in the looting.

A council spokesman said: “It is appalling that anyone should stoop so low as to loot the site of this tragic incident.

"The cordon is in place to protect public safety – attempting to enter the area was stupid and extremely dangerous."

"The individual was thwarted by our security contractors and additional measures have also been put in place.”

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Last Friday, a devastating fire took hold within The Glasgow School of Art, O2 ABC and adjoining buildings.

At its height, more than 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines were mobilised to the city centre after the alarm was raised at 11.19pm.