Football club postpones game after cable theft

A football club is without power and has had to cancel a match after the theft of cables on its grounds.

The break-in at Fawley AFC at the Waterside Sports and Social Club in Holbury, Southampton, has left the whole site without power, and is also affecting its cricket, bowls and tennis sections.

It means the Velocity Wessex League Division One match against Cove on Saturday has been postponed.

"We are extremely disappointed that individuals have felt it acceptable to illegally enter our ground, steal essential equipment and cause significant damage," the club said on Friday.

It described the theft as a "serious incident" as the power cables supplied electricity to the "entire ground".

In a statement it said: "The police have been on site today carrying out investigations and looking for any evidence that may help identify those responsible."

It added: "We would like to thank the Wessex League and Cove for their understanding and support."

Fawley AFC said the cost of repairing the damage would "undoubtedly be substantial, and the impact has been felt across the whole club".

It thanked supporters for their "understanding and continued support" while it worked to get the club back up and running, and appealed for anyone who was in or around the ground at the time and saw anything suspicious to come forward.

Hampshire Police said: "We were called at 09:00 on 25 September to reports of a burglary at a site on Long Lane, Holbury.

"Entry was forced and a quantity of heavy duty cables were stolen.

"It is thought that the burglary happened overnight between 24 and 25 September. Enquiries are ongoing."