Members of Shinfield Cricket Club were racially abused while youths threw rocks at cars

Police are investigating after Shinfield Cricket Club members were subjected to the attack during a friendly match on Wednesday (June 20) evening.

The club, based at Millworth Lane, has been blighted by a spate of anti-social attacks over the last year, with the rain covers being repeatedly slashed by vandals.

The latest shocking incident saw masked youths on bicycles circle the permitter of the pitch and throw stones at cars before fleeing the scene at around 8.25pm.

David Hare, chairman of Shinfield CC, said he would be 'devastated' if Asian members felt they could no longer play at the club.

He said: "My son was playing in the match and he was just very upset and angry.

"I struggle to understand how some people can see this as a joke.

The rain covers were recently slashed by vandals

"It was very upsetting and potentially frightening for any of our younger members, who could easily have been at the ground when they decided to turn up.

"If people leave us because of this I would be devastated.

"We want to catch the people who have done this to us and we have been in touch with police to see if we can help prevent this from happening again."

When Mr Hare joined Shinfield CC two and a half years ago, the club was not well-positioned financially and he and other members have had to work hard to replace equipment and expand to take on new members.

Some of the cars were damaged by the rocks

The canvas on the rain covers has been torn on a number of occasions and members are concerned about replacing it every time vandals decide to damage it.

He added: "I just think it is awful that kids think this is fun. We have had financial problems in the past.

"There are fences, but this is public land and so there is not a lot we can do to stop them from coming in.

"We have heard previously that there has been problems with people taking drugs near the pavilion and we don't want children to be subjected to that."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police confirmed officers attended Shinfield following reports of a group of youths throwing stones at cars and shouting racist abuse.

No arrests have been made and anyone with any information should cal police onl 101.