Queensmen Football Club 'devastated' after 'equipment stolen'

Queensmen Football Club said its new fences had been broken and a ride-on mower stolen

A youth football club were "devastated" after thieves "broke in and stole equipment from a shed".

Volunteers at the Queensmen Football Club in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, made the discovery on Saturday morning.

They said a newly-installed fence at Lawrence Park had been smashed and a ride-on mower, along with chainsaws, drills and other equipment were taken.

Bedfordshire Police has been approached for comment.

The club, which have under-7's through to under-10's teams, said they found the damage after they arrived to open up for morning games.

Nick Barlow, club committee member, said the theft was "gut-wrenching" and added that the stolen equipment was worth "thousands".

A fundraising effort by the club had already attracted more than £2,000 in donations from the local community. Mr Barlow said the response was a "silver lining".

The club said they were targeted overnight

"It was unbelievable," he added.

"We've had offers of help from all over, including the company who built the fencing to make sure the site is secure again."

The club, which claimed to be one of the oldest grassroots sides in the country, ended a four-year hiatus to return to youth football at the start of last season, having previously boasted a senior men's side.