Carlisle United has closed it's popular Family Zone following the theft of thousands of pounds of equipment.

The club said it was "extremely disappointed" to announce that the area - housed in the Pioneer Foodservice Stand and used by fans young and old on match days, and their Community Sports Trust for parties and events - will be closed until further notice.

Games consoles and televisions were stolen on Saturday night by one individual in the theft which lasted more than four hours.

CCTV footage shows someone forcing their way into the premises through the Stoneyholme Golf Club entrance to the site. United said they were seen making multiple trips.

Finance director Suzanne Kidd said: “We’re absolutely devastated that someone would do this to such an important part of our club. The numbers of families and children using the Family Zone has risen steadily over the last 12 months to levels we are extremely proud of.

“This individual has caused a lot of distress and has taken away something which so many people enjoy. There are no words to describe how we feel about that. We’re working with the police to do everything we can to make sure this person is apprehended.”

Media officer Andy Hall added: “Our advice to the person who did this is for them to hand the property back because we have some excellent CCTV footage which we feel will be of great use to the authorities.

“Unfortunately, until that happens, we are going to have to close the Family Zone, which includes for the home game against Stevenage today."

Anyone with information or who is offered any of the Xbox, Wii consoles or electrical equipment which was taken is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800555111.