SOUTHEND United FC has been left with a £3,000 repair bill after thieves targeted the club’s ground.

Fans’ toilets in the West Stand were trashed and one loo, plus the ceiling, was badly damaged after copper piping was ripped from the roof.

More copper piping was also stolen from the concourse in the south upper stand.

Blues spokesman Dave Scriven said it was a “real kick in the teeth” and the club could ill-afford such unnecessary work. He said: “The club is not flush with cash and the costs of the repairs will hurt us. It is money we could have been spending on better things, like strengthening the team.

“We are surrounded by a residential area, so are hoping somebody heard or saw something. We think it happened late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday.”

Mr Scriven said the repairs would need to be carried out over the next month in time for the club’s first home game of the season against Hereford on August 6.

Season ticket holder Brian Jeeves, 42, of Caversham Avenue, Shoebury, said: “It sounds like someone who knew where they were looking. It seems some people are hell-bent on being as disruptive as possible to the club.”

Meanwhile police have been at Roots Hall, off Victoria Avenue, gathering evidence.

A police spokeswoman said: “Entry was gained by climbing over a locked gate and items were removed, including copper piping and a toilet system.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0300 3334444.