Coalville Rugby Club have set up a crowdfunding page after a break-in this week left them facing a 'huge cost'.

The Hall Lane-based club slammed the 'mindless' damage and theft following the incident which happened overnight on Wednesday evening/Thursday morning.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police told Coalville Nub News: "We are investigating a burglary at a premises in Hall Lane, Whitwick. It was reported just before 6.15am on Thursday (18 July).  

"Damage was caused and an iPad was stolen during the incident. Enquiries are ongoing and if anyone has any information they are asked to contact 101 or report HERE, quoting crime number 24*425464."

In the meantime, the club have set up an appeal after the raid on the premises - with a £1,000 target.

The club said on social media: "Coalville Rugby Club was unfortunately broken into overnight with substantial damage and theft.

"This club is run on funding from sponsors and volunteers, and bar/Kitchen sales - these mindless acts have a huge impact on a community club like ours.

"CRFC is used by over 300 men, women and children regularly for rugby and is used by local schools and sports clubs for sports events. We are a grassroots rugby club.

"Replacing the stock and stolen and broken items will come at a huge cost to us, money that we unfortunately don't have and are not able to replace immediately.

"After recent events we decided to set up a crowdfunding page.

Any donations no matter how big or small will all be put back into our club to enable us to move on from this horrible event."

The BBC website also reported club treasurer, Chris Simpson, thanking people for their "generous offers of help and kind donations".

"We would very much like to thank our volunteers, the local community and the wider rugby community for all their support during this time, it has been very overwhelming.

"The community sure can pull together in times of need, of which we are eternally grateful."

The club added it was also "amazed" with local businesses offering its services for free including upgrading its security system.

You can donate to the club's crowdfunding page HERE.