Gardening group suffers £1k break-in damage

Ms Saunders said the suspect, or suspects, did not steal anything

A woman who volunteers at an allotment site in Essex said it would stay open, despite it being the target of an attempted break-in.

The Plant Pots and Wellies said its allotment site in Harlow suffered £1,000 worth of damage after the incident on Friday, as first reported by Your Harlow.

The community initiative provides activities for people with additional needs and their families and carers.

Project manager Rowen Saunders said clear-up work from volunteers meant its Christmas grotto event could go ahead on Sunday.

She said the suspect, or suspects, "ploughed down" a fence with a vehicle, but may have been obstructed by a mudbank immediately behind it.

"There was lots of broken glass and their registration number plate had come off - we suspect they just turned back after realising it wasn't worth it," said Ms Saunders.

"I would say there's been about £1,000 worth of damage but nothing was taken."

Ms Saunders said the incident was reported to police on Saturday.

Essex Police was asked for comment.