Community clubs have suffered a financial and emotional blow after a spate of break-ins.

Workington Town rugby league club and Workington Reds FC had their grounds broken into in the early hours of Sunday morning, with expensive maintenance equipment stolen at both Derwent Park and Borough Park.

The “devastating” hit has come when both clubs are already struggling due to the ongoing pandemic, with matches on-hold and funds drying up.

“Both clubs are struggling financially because of the virus, and the idea that somebody could break in and take things from us at this critical time, it’s just devastating,” Reds chairman, Les Byers, said.

“Whether we’ll recover the items that were stolen is debatable, and for this to happen when we’re already trying our best to stay afloat, we really are devastated.”

He continued: “If anybody knows anything or saw anything, or even if they saw something in the general area at the time, please contact the police.”

Mr Byers added that he hopes the club’s new security system, donated by Tony Layzell just eight weeks ago, will be a big help in catching those involved.

Workington Town chairman, Les Smallwood, was also hurt by the burglaries, which saw two strimmers and a blower stolen from the club's grounds, and said: "It's a tough time for all sports clubs at the moment, so it's something we could, of course, do without.

"I'd like to thank our ground volunteers who have done a great job over the last couple of days sorting things out."

A police spokesman said: “We received a report of a burglary at Derwent Park yesterday.

“Enquires continue and we have no suspects identified at this time.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or by emailing 101@cumbria.police.uk.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.