An Oxford pub which was smashed up and gutted by vandals earlier this month is finally back in business.

Landlords Andrew Paterson and his girlfriend Emma Buckett reopened the doors of The Canal Bridge in Upper Wolvercote yesterday afternoon following a frantic two-week clear-up operation.

Vandals broke into and ransacked the family pub — smashing a fruit machine, two jukeboxes and a pool table during the attack on Sunday, October 5.

As reported in the Oxford Mail, they also broke the pub glass-washer, urinated on the carpet and set off a fire extinguisher in a bid to cover their tracks. In total, the vandals ran up an estimated £4,000 repair bill — and stole £2,000 in cash.

Mr Paterson, 28, said it was great to have reopened the pub, although the attack had left a bitter taste.

He said: "The place was trashed really — completely gutted.

"I think the fire extinguisher caused the most damage.

"We have had no custom over the last two weeks when we would have been relatively busy — it's been really stressful.

"We usually take on average £1,200 a week, so we've lost about £2,500 in trade."

Since the attack, the couple have been busy painting and decorating, ripping up the carpet and having the pub industrially cleaned.

Mr Paterson said: "We are not yet fully functional, but we are relieved to be open.

"We have still got no glass-washer and we are short of one till.

"There's still lots to do, but we are getting back to normal."

Ms Buckett, 25, described the vandals who targeted the pub as "scum" and feared it was a malicious attack.

The Rev Paul Rimmer, 83, described the incident as "mindless violence".

Regular Mark Knight, 45, from Wolvercote, added: "I think it was disgusting, to tell the truth — an absolute disgrace.

"They destroyed everything Andrew and Emma have tried to build up. They are gutted, but I think it's made them stronger.

"It's great to see the pub open again after two weeks — it's got a great family atmosphere."

Mr Paterson and Ms Buckett are currently negotiating with their insurance company over the terms of a possible payout.

The Canal Bridge in Plough Close — formerly a Royal British Legion Club — was taken over by the couple a month before it was due to fold in June 2007.

Anyone with any information about the break-in is urged to call police on 0845 8505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.