Thieves broke into Whitstable Town Football Club and stripped the changing rooms bare last night.

Town's chairman Joe Brownett, pictured right, told their official website that "every scrap of copper" had been taken.

He described it as the worst thing to happen at The Belmont during his family's 20-year involvement.

"They have taken every scrap of copper they could find," he said. "They have stripped the showers, the boiler, taps, pipes - you name it they stole it.

"It’s too early to put a figure on but my gut feeling it is that its going to be a minimum of £5,000 to replace what has been stolen."

Mr Brownett said the club would definitely not be able to fulfil their fixtures for the next two weeks.

He said: "These people that do this sort of thing are heartless, they do not care about anyone else just themselves.

"It goes without saying that we will carry on, but I would ask anyone in the building trade if they can help in any way to get in touch either with myself, Joe Brownett or my vice-chairman Gary Johnson. Our details are on the contacts page on the website.

"The police are investigating and if anyone has any information, scrap dealers or anyone who is offered copper, contact the police.”