Villagers 'shocked' after hall ransacked

Damage to Dalton Village Hall near Thirsk

North Yorkshire villagers were left "shocked and angry" after their community hall was ransacked by intruders with crowbars who "smashed doors to bits".

Two suspects broke into Dalton Village Hall near Thirsk just before 01:00 BST on Monday, North Yorkshire Police said.

Nick Fletcher, chair of the village hall, said: "This is extremely annoying and upsetting for committee members who put their heart and soul into the hall."

Officers have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

A police spokesperson said the hall had been "ransacked and internal doors were damaged, although nothing is thought to have been taken".

Mr Fletcher said the suspects - seen on CCTV wearing hoodies and caps - had broken in through the fire escape and had "gone straight to the bar doors and smashed them to bits".

"They had jemmy bars and went through every cupboard, presumably looking for cash, because no stock was taken," he added.

"It's shocking because it's quiet here," he said.

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