A community centre that was a refuge for flood victims has been targeted by thieves twice in two days.

For the first time in its 25 year history, Greystone Community Centre on Close Street, off Botchergate in Carlisle, was targeted - with crooks taking property including cash.

Police do not yet know whether the two raids are linked - but investigations are underway.

In the first incident on Tuesday at about 6pm, two men entered the centre through the front door while a youth club was going on.

Undetected, they smashed the office window - but it is unclear whether they stole anything.

Then, at about 10.50pm on Wednesday, a man of medium build wearing jeans and a hooded top smashed a window into the nursery and stole about £20 and a set of keys.

Gareth Weber, the manager at the Greystone community centre, said the raids were disappointing and had left staff severely shaken.

He said: "We operate for the community and we're a registered charity as well, that's why we put a lot of trust in people.

"Obviously we can't put four or five staff in every day so we just have one or two.

"But unfortunately they've taken advantage.

"It was a bit frightening for the girl who was working on the Tuesday night because she came up and there was glass everywhere and obviously they had just gone."

Staff are now opening up and closing the centre, which is sometimes open until 9pm or 10pm, in twos because they feel vulnerable.

The centre has 10 staff, who will also be doubling up on the late shifts.

"To have the kids space violated like that was a big shock," said Mr Weber.

"Everyone's just a little bit upset and annoyed more than anything because we operate for the community and we have done for 25 years.

"It's a shame that this has happened and we've had to take these new measures."

Greystone Community Centre was open for 10 days after the floods last December, during which more than 2,500 people came through the doors and about 40 people slept there every night.

Centre staff, helped by city council workers, support agencies and up to 50 volunteers, worked day and night to provide physical and emotional support to those in need.

Mr Weber estimated the installation of new CCTV and security measures could cost between £4,000 and £5,000.

The centre has also had to pay for all the locks to be replaced.

Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council have both offered to help.

Mr Weber said he hoped the centre would not have to increase the cost of clubs and activities to meet the cost.

He said: "The saddest part about it is we had to cancel the nursery [on Wednesday] and all the kids turned up and they can see that the office has been broken into and the police were here so it's a bit upsetting for the kids obviously."

A spokesman for Cumbria Police confirmed the force was investigating the two incidents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.