Accrington Stanley burglaries: Five boys arrested

Accrington Stanley were promoted back into the Football League in 2006

Five boys have been arrested after 19 pairs of football boots, 15 footballs and sports drinks were stolen from League Two side Accrington Stanley.

The football club was broken into on Sunday and 14 pairs of boots and orange flavour sports drinks were taken.

On Tuesday, another five pairs of boots, 15 footballs from the kit room, drinks and chocolate from two catering vans and a wheelbarrow were stolen.

The 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

The teenagers - three from Accrington and two from Oswaldtwistle - remain in police custody for questioning.

Police said the wheelbarrow is "thought to have been used to transport the stolen items away".

Sgt Dave Clark said: "We believe it is no coincidence that the club was broken into twice during a short time.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have any information about these incidents to get in contact with us."

Accrington, who lie bottom of League Two after losing their first three games of the season, have one of the smallest budgets in their division.