'MINDLESS' vandals have destroyed a football club's pitches and equipment in Peppard, Sonning Common, causing an estimated £4,000 worth of damage.

Grass roots football club Rotherfield United, which is based in Bishopswood Sports Ground, was targeted by an unknown vandal/vandals when a car was driven over the pitches.

Goal posts were left 'trashed' and a burnt and presumably stolen car was left in nearby woods.

The club's Facebook page shared images of the destroyed facilities, stating: "Anybody recognise this car? "Obviously stolen. The pitches have been driven over and will need money and work to get back.

"Money that should be being saved up for better facilities for the club.

"Absolutely despicable..."

Speaking to The Chronicle, club chairman Andy Tidswell said: "I got a call this morning [April 9] from a member of the public letting me know about what had happened.

"We have two pitches that are now unusable because the ground has been damaged."

The club is run solely by volunteers who organise their own fundraising, and is used by members every weekend.

Mr Tidswell said the damages are likely to cost more than £4,000 to repair, and that the team would now have to make alternative arrangements for this weekend.

He said: "Every weekend we use the pitches - especially around this time of year because it is getting lighter and each weekend there are matches and training during the week.

"Hopefully we can repair the damage quickly so we can use the pitches again soon.

"Significant damage has been sustained to our goals, which typically cost around £3,000.

"We will also have to repair the pitches, so we are assuming the costs will come to around £4,000 or £5,000.

"The mindless nature of it is shocking.

"It is a Monday evening, they have stolen a vehicle and decide to cause damage to our football club."

Police said they recieved a report of criminal damage and that officers attended the scene at 11.45am on Tuesday, April 9.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote 43190107111.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money to repair and replace equipment for the club.

To donate, visit the page here.