This is the moment a balaclava-clad intruder trashed a much-loved community centre overnight.
Birtley Community Centre was forced to close on Wednesday (October 7) after the break-in around 10pm on Tuesday (October 6).
CCTV shows a person wearing a balaclava kicking in a door during the break-in.
A radiator was ripped from the wall and sweet dispensers knocked over. Northumbria Police said "significant damage" was caused and cash stolen.
In a post shared on Facebook, the centre said: “We apologise for any inconvenience and thank everyone for their understanding."
(Image: SOCIAL MEDIA)
The centre later called the break-in “horrific” and said staff and volunteers were working to reopen.
The post read: “Following the horrific events at Birtley Community Centre last night, we are now working hard to get things back up and running and make sure our centre continues to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
“We have a new door for our nursery room that needs hanging. We believe we have everything else needed, we just need someone with the skills to fit it for us.
Birtley Community Centre has been forced to close. (Image: SOCIAL MEDIA)
“If you are able to help, please get in touch.
“After a difficult night, any support from our community would mean a lot.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 7am today (Wednesday 7), we received a report of burglary at a building on Ravensworth Road in the Birtley area of Gateshead.
“The burglary is believed to have taken place sometime around 10pm the previous night.
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“An offender is reported to have forced entry to the building before causing significant damage and stealing a quantity of cash. He then left the scene.
“Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to identify anyone believed to be responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police via direct message on social media, or by visiting the live chat or report forms on the force website, or calling 101 quoting reference number: 26000466407.