'Mind-blowing': Vandals smash up football club

Goalposts at Spalding United FC's ground were damaged during the break-in

Vandals have broken into a non-league football club's ground, smashing goalposts and even a defibrillator.

Staff at Spalding United FC said the break-in at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field happened during the early hours of Tuesday.

Chief executive Leigh Porter called the attack "mind-blowing", but said staff and volunteers were doing their utmost to ensure the Tulips' New Year's Day league fixture against St Ives Town goes ahead as planned.

Lincolnshire Police said it is investigating.

Paint was poured over stands

Mr Porter said staff arrived at the venue earlier to found damaged goalposts and other equipment.

Further inspections revealed the changing rooms had been targeted, with paint poured over stands.

In addition, a public address system was stolen, and a press box and defibrillator were damaged.

Mr Porter added: "The budgets aren't huge for things like ad hoc repairs."

Despite the damage and loss of key pieces of equipment, Mr Porter said the club would pull out all the stops to ensure the South League Premier Central fixture happens.

A team of volunteers are helping clear up the damage, he said.

"We're going to do everything we can and hope it'll be OK," said Mr Porter, adding the club's CCTV was being reviewed in the search to find those responsible.

Lincolnshire Police asked anyone with information to contact officers.

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