A youth football club has been left shocked after a storage container was ransacked and multiple end-of-season trophies destroyed.

The Witney Vikings Youth Football Club has now set up a fundraising page which at the time of writing has already raised more than £8700.

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A team spokesperson said: "As anyone associated with Witney Vikings knows, Steve Bott and and all of the team managers and coaches put in endless work throughout the year to support, and promote the children of Witney to be the best they can when it comes to playing football."

"Unfortunately, some mindless, insensitive thugs have broken into the containers housing the end of season trophies, leaving the children who've worked hard all year with nothing to show for it.

"As a community, it's down to us to ensure our children and the coaches get a well done."

The club has asked people to donate what they can - and the community has already gone above and beyond - with one person donating £3000. 

Witney Councillor David Edwards-Hughes said the destruction was "heartbreaking to see". 

He said: "Making sure every player got a trophy is such a nice end to the season."

Mr Edwards-Hughes also welcomed the decision from County councillors Liam Walker and Ted Fenton to cover the cost of replacements through the Councillor Priority Fund.

Councillor Liam Walker said: "It's devastating that such mindless vandalism has taken place in Witney and that Witney Vikings are now having to look to replace the damaged trophies."

"When I spotted the post on Facebook I spoke with my colleague ClIr Ted Fenton and we both agreed we can help by giving them some funding from our Councillor Priority Funds to help cover the cost of replacing the trophies for the young players.

"There is also a GoFundMe page which has helped raised thousands with the community coming together to support them which is simply amazing."

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of criminal damage and theft at Burwell Meadow, Witney, at around 7.20pm on Thursday (30/5)."

“Anyone with information should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43240253048.

“Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

The Witney Vikings Youth Football Club covers 40 teams with 700 players organised by 100 volunteers.