THE Palmer Hall in Fairford was raided in the early hours of New Year’s Day with intruders smashing “every lock on every cupboard”.

Fairford Rugby Club had been hosting a New Year’s Eve bash at the London Road hall, but sometime after partygoers left at 2.30am the thieves struck.

Causing considerable damage in what is believed to have been a raid for money or leftover alcohol, it is currently unclear what was stolen apart from a yellow pressure washer.

A post on the rugby club’s Facebook page said: “Unfortunately, the Palmer Hall got broken into last night after we left.

“They broke in, smashed every lock on every cupboard/slash door, we are assuming looking for alcohol.

“We aren't sure exactly what they took but definitely a yellow pressure washer.

“This would have been very obvious if someone was carrying it.”

Speaking to the Standard, Sue Crowley, Palmer Hall chair, said: “Someone got into the hall between about 3am and 8am.

“They’ve smashed into all the cupboards, we think looking for money. However, we never keep money or alcohol on the premises.

“There were expensive bits of equipment like heavy speakers which they didn’t take.”

She said the thieves broke into all the storage units containing equipment belonging to the hall’s different user groups, and “emptied every cupboard. It’s a mess.”

“I won’t know exactly what has been taken until I’ve gone in with the heads of each group and gone over everything,” said Sue, adding: “I’m gutted. It’s unbelievable.”

Sue, who runs the hall voluntarily with her husband Steve Crowley, the clerk and caretaker, said the incident had “ruined our New Year’s”.

“We haven’t been able to enjoy the New Year yet. The groups were all looking forward to returning to sessions after the Christmas break. My priority now is to get the hall back up and running.”

Sue said the building is now secure with police having been at the site on Sunday, while she is due to meet officers again today.

The hall was also being used by groups from Lechlade, following an arson attack which destroyed the Memorial Hall in May.

Commenting on the rugby club’s post, Lisa Clayton wrote: “This is terrible to read after such a great evening.

“Thanks to all for the amazing disco for the kiddies and hope the idiots are caught.”

Rachael Blake wrote: “They must have been very quiet as I live next door and was awake. The only noise was the rugby club packing away.”

More to follow.