Vandals wreck club and steal tsunami money

It is the third time since Christmas that Eastleigh rugby union club's headquarters in the Bishopstoke Playing Fields has been targeted.

Club chiefs say the most sickening aspect of this latest attack is that money destined to help those in one of the world's worst human disasters has been taken.

It is not known exactly how much was in the Disaster Emergency Committee box but it is believed to have been between £100 and £200.

It was clearly marked with the tsunami appeal and was due to be collected this weekend by the British Red Cross.

Club secretary Alan Williams said: "It is sickening. You can replace buildings and broken doors but replacing the generosity of people who have given money towards preserving life is another matter."

The thieves, who smashed their way into the club through a fire escape door, also made off with a giant bottle which had been half full with coins for local charities, plus the till from the bar.

Remnants of the bottle were found scattered across the car park. Yesterday, club staff were still clearing up debris and broken glass.

Surveying the wreckage, club president Terry Lynch, who has been a member for 40 years, said: "This has been done by obviously mindless people.

"This is the worst period of vandalism I can remember."

This latest break-in comes only weeks away from the club moving into a new home at the Bishopstoke Playing Fields.

Club officials say security is being stepped up in an all-out bid to catch the culprits.

Club chairman Brian Russell-Taylor said: "What saddens me most is that the people who are doing this are so obviously in need of the sort of healthy and enjoyable physical activity that we provide to hundreds each week. They should really get a life and join us."

An Eastleigh police spokesman said the incident was being investigated and they have appealed for anyone who might have been passing the area at about 5.30am yesterday to contact them on 0845 045 4545.