HEADLEY Scouts are facing a clean-up bill of around £1,000 after burglars smashed their way into their headquarters.

Fraser Skirrow, the 1st Headley Scout group leader, said the raiders used a log from nearby woodland to “batter their way through the security glass”. After ransacking the building, they fled empty-handed through the fire escape.

Although the break-in appeared to brief, Mr Skirrow said there was “a lot of damage” - put at up to £1,000.

“Scout huts contain children’s craft materials, pots, pans and frisbees,” he added. “Not a particularly remunerative target.”

But paying out insurance excess for repairs will prove tricky for such a small organisation. Mr Skirrow said the group would have to go out into the community “cap in hand” to cover the costs.

A Hampshire police spokesman said no arrests had been made and enquiries were ongoing. Anyone with information should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.