RAIDERS who forced their way into a football club and smashed open a fruit machine left fingerprints at the scene.

Once the burglars got inside the Brightlingsea Regent club house, in North Road, the club’s security alarm went off, which is thought to have startled the thieves.

But before club bosses arrived, the thieves had made off with the gaming machine cash and had also moved spirit optics at the club bar.

It is not known exactly how much money was taken in the raid but it is thought to be about £200.

Essex Police has launched an investigation and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Investigating officers have confirmed fingerprints were found at the scene.

Club chairman Terry Doherty said members were “gutted” but added the outcome could have been much worse.

He said: “When I first heard they’d got through a window and it was in pieces on the floor, I feared the worst.

“I think as soon as they got in, the alarm went off.

“I’d guess they saw the machine and just went at it - it is pretty smashed up.”

He added: “It feels like they were in and out quite quickly.

“It’s gutting really, we’re a community club and you don’t expect that sort of thing.

“We’re in the middle of town really but I suppose once you’re at the end of North Road, it’s quite quiet and remote so you might fancy a chance.”

Earlier this month, the club made history by winning the Ryman North Division and clinching promotion to the Ryman Premier Division.

During yesterday’s home game against Dereham Town, the players were due to be presented with the league trophy.

Mr Doherty added: “I suppose if there’s one good thing to come from this, it’s that the break-in wasn’t on Sunday night as it would have really ruined the day for us.

“In fact, we’ve got to say thank you to the police - they were out very quickly and because of that, we were able to get it all cleared in time for the big day.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were contacted shortly after 12.30pm on April 16 with reports burglars had forced open a window at Brightlingsea Regent Football Club, in North Road, Brightlingsea.

“Once inside, they broke open a fruit machine and stole money from inside.”

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour near to the club or who has any information on the raid should contact the force on 101 or go to essex.police.uk/do-it-online.