Croft Park pitch dug up by vandals

Groundstaff at Blyth Spartans are repairing damage to the pitch at Croft Park after vandals broke into the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club's ground over the weekend and attacked the playing surface.

The Premier Division’s Spartans announced on Tuesday that Northumbria Police were now appealing for witnesses and information after sections of the turf containing the centre spot and penalty spot were dug-up.

The attack at Croft Park, pictured, is believed to have taken place between 5.45pm on Saturday night and 10am on Monday morning.

Blyth Neighbourhood Sergeant Garry Neill said: "We are checking CCTV from nearby properties and would appeal for anyone with any information into the offence to come forward and speak to us.

"We believe the offenders may have got onto a roof to get inside the ground and they may have had ladders and shovels with them. If anyone saw anything suspicious over the weekend then I’d ask them to get in touch."

The Spartans were the second Evo-Stik NPL club to be the victim of thieves and vandals over the weekend. At Frickley Athletic, raiders struck hours after their 2-0 weekend win over Nantwich Town when they broke into the Bigfellas Clubhouse at Westfield Lane and caused a substantial amount of damage before stealing a TV and a significant amount of stock. West Yorkshire Police are also appealing for information to track the raiders down.