DETECTIVES are investigating a break-in at a cricket club pavilion after a man was found hiding in an office.

Wickford Cricket Club reported a window had been smashed during the second break-in since the start of the season.

Daniel Rouse, chairman of Wickford Cricket Club, Patmore Memorial Sports Ground, Runwell Road, said: “We’ve been lucky this time.

“Luckily only a window was smashed. Someone also smashed our alarm system.

“There was nothing missing when police searched the pavilion, but someone was found hiding in our office.

“We caught someone on our CCTV trying to get behind the bar before something spooked them.

“We’ve improved our CCTV since last time, but there’s only so much we can do, especially on limited funds.

“It’s really disappointing.”

In April more than £2,000 damage was caused by thieves during a raid at the club.

Donald Morris, councillor for Wickford Castledon ward, added: “It’s appalling and really irritating.

“It’s not just the burglary, but the psychological effect.

“I know people who go there and give their time. It really isn’t fair.”

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “A man has been arrested following a burglary at Wickford Cricket Club.

“We were called to the address at around 5.45am yesterday, Tuesday, July 23, to reports of a burglary.

“A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, assault on an emergency worker, and possession of Class A drugs. He is currently in detention.”

During the previous raid, tyre marks were spotted around the site, gates were left open and padlocks cut. A strimmer was taken and attempts were made to raid a garage of specialist gardening and cricketing equipment.

That followed a previous raid at Wickford Town Football Club where gardening equipment including mowers were stolen.