Vandalism at club's new changing rooms 'hurts'

Devon and Cornwall Police urged witnesses to get in touch with officers

A rugby club in Cornwall said it was "heartbroken" after brand new changing rooms were vandalised shortly before their completion.

Tim Brocklebank, from Truro Rugby Club, said the new stand and changing rooms at St Clement's Hill suffered major damage on Saturday.

The attack comes weeks after club chairman Carl Price died following a battle with cancer.

Devon and Cornwall Police urged witnesses to get in touch with officers.

'Stab in the back'

The changing rooms were built following a two-year fundraising drive

Mr Price had led a two-year drive to raise £100,000 to secure the new facilities, which were designed for all age groups, before he died.

Mr Brocklebank said Mr Price had worked "selflessly" on the project and he would be "turning in his grave" if he knew of the vandalism.

He told BBC Radio Cornwall: "We're all devastated, it's tough.

"This is not some private member's club somewhere, it's a community place.

"It's a stab in the back, really, it hurts.

"Many people have put in many hours of hard work to make this happen and it's been all undone in a matter of two hours on Saturday afternoon."

The club added on its website: "We are heartbroken."

The club said members were "heartbroken"

'Substantial damage'

Mr Brocklebank said the damage included smashed toilets, broken cubicles and paint "thrown everywhere".

He said the club would soon "sit down and figure out how we can get the funds to rebuild", but until then club members would have to use temporary facilities.

Police said: "A new building development sustained substantial damage, estimated to be to the value of £100,000."

They said the attack occurred some time between 15:00 GMT on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday and urged anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help with inquiries to get in contact.