Equipment used by hundreds of children in Hayes was stolen this weekend after two sports teams and one specialist school were ruthlessly burgled.

It is understood Baston House School, Petts Wood Football Club and Warman Sports Club all reported to have been burgled.

Greg Sorrell, head teacher of Baston House, which caters for autistic children, confirmed the ominous news.

"Clearly any break-in is a set back because we fight hard to get resources for our students," he told News Shopper.

"It happened sometime over the weekend and we believe others were broken into as well. The forensics team are on site."

Mr Sorrell said he didn’t yet know how much equipment was taken but said computer screens had been snatched.

The head was first to arrive at the school on Baston Road this morning and his suspicions were raised when he found the gate open.

President of nearby Petts Wood FC, Graham Clarke, told News Shopper padlocks to three containers on Barnet Wood Road were found on the ground this morning.

It’s unclear what, if anything, was taken, but Mr Clarke said targeting children was shameful.

"All they are doing is depriving kids of playing football," he said. "They are taking money that could be used to provide kits, footballs and equipment.

"We just wanna give boys and girls the opportunity to play football. We have hundreds of kids and we are keeping them off the streets."

Mr Clarke said police were contacted and the break-in was discovered by the chairman who was collecting keys earlier.

The club facilities are based in a secluded area at least 300 yards from the nearest house.

Mr Clarke believes sports clubs are being targeted in the area by the same culprits who ransacked Orpington FC, which was burgled on July 11. Valuables were also stolen from Glebe Football Club in Chislehurst at the weekend.

READ: Orpington FC chairman says club won’t be broken after clubhouse ransacked

"It’s a constant worry," the president added. "Even replacing goals costs £1,100.

"It would appear it’s the same people doing this during the off-season. Whether they are chancers or not I don’t know, but in the past there has been a lot of mindless vandalism here."

He added: "Our padlock has been done at least five times and we have contacted police every time. We would like extra presence but unfortunately resources are stretched like everywhere else."

Mr Clarke fears the burglars are planning to return after space was cleared beside heavy ground maintenance equipment in one of the containers.

Petts Wood FC is currently monitoring its CCTV.

Jerry Freds, chairman of Warman Sports Club, which caters for cricket, rugby and tennis in Hayes, said: "We had three containers and the groundman's garage broken into.

"The padlocks were cut and equipment was stolen." 

Tomorrow we will bring you an exclusive interview with the chairman of Glebe Football Club.

Police have also been contacted for more information.