ABOUT 100 people, including many children wrecked and looted aid bound for Eastern Europe collected by a Hampshire charity.

The Jacob's Well warehouse in Gosport was plundered over the weekend as the looters made off with thousands of pounds worth of toys, clothing and several other items.

Police say the looters destroyed what they did not take from the building, which stands in the centre of a Rowner housing estate.

The aid was collected by the church mission and was due to be distributed to children and refugees in Romania.

Pastor Rose McDonald, of Jacob's Well, said the group had only just returned from a visit distributing relief aid when they learned of the attack.

"Apparently this has been going on since Friday night,'' she said. "They boarded up the place but the children have just broken in.''

Acting Inspector Jon Snook, of Gosport police, said some children had even abseiled down through skylights to gain access to the building.

"It is particularly disappointing because the church group had been doing a collection for a very good cause and it means very needy people have lost out.

"Also, there seemed to be a complete lack of parental control.''

Police said the problems had started earlier in the weekend and despite attempts to find keyholders and make the building secure, looters broke in again.

Officers then contacted Gosport Borough Council - which has no responsibility for the warehouse - and authority workers welded the building shut.

Anyone who can help police should contact 0845 0454545.

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