Honiton Town Football Club has expressed dismay at being targeted by thieves, who got away with a substantial sum of money and caused damage to Mountbatten Sports and Social Club on Saturday night (September 7).

The break-in occurred after supporters of the town's football club left the premises on Saturday evening at approximately 10pm and 8.15am the following morning, when someone came to pick up their car and noticed the damage.

According to a spokesperson for the club 'the thieves used forced entry to access the building through the main door, physically removing the grill which covers the bar.

'They have taken money from the till and smashed a charity box, which was collecting donations for Devon Air Ambulance and extracted the contents.

'They also broke three security lights on the outside of the building, which will need replacing.'

The club took to social media to express their gratitude to the local community who have supported them.

"We just wanted to say thank you for all the message of support, been so kind.

"It's been an eventful day.

"They may have broken into our club, but the haven't broken the spirit of all the different clubs that use Mountbatten. Cricket, Youth, Skittles etc."

Police are appealing for witnesses and asking anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the club to contact them via [email protected] or by phone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/081469/19.