VANDALS have targeted the premises of an amateur football club and caused more than £2,000 worth of damage.

They set a sit-on lawnmower alight and reduced it to a burnt-out shell in the sick attack which took place at the weekend.

Devastated officials discovered the destruction on Monday evening, which was carried out when a padlock to a secure enclosure was forced.

There have been previous incidents in the area surrounding Lugar Playing Fields, including grass being set on fire on a previous occasion.

But this latest and most sinister attack has caused carnage as well as a financial catastrophe to Glenmuir Thistle who have to raise every penny of running costs by fundraising and sponsorship.

Club officials are pleading with local people to help track down the people responsible and to contact police with any information they can.

A police spokesman said: “Between 11pm on Saturday, April 15, and 4pm on Monday, April 17, a locked enclosure was broken into at football grounds in Park Terrace, Lugar.

“A padlock was forced open to gain entry and equipment was set on fire, causing extensive damage.

“Ongoing inquiries are being carried out in connection with the incident and we would appeal to anyone who can help to contact PC Paton at Cumnock Police Station.

“Calls can be made on our 101 number or to Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.”