Veteran charity base vandalised

Caravans belonging to a man who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for war veterans were vandalised just before Christmas.

The damage dealt to the caravans at Harold Payne’s Anglia Motel at Fleet has been described as “sick vandalism” by the site’s cleaner Louise Manning, who said she was faced with “a shocking mess”.

Louise said the windows and doors of four caravans had been smashed and have since been boarded up, since the incident took place overnight on December 18.

Mr Payne said more than £2,000 of damage was done and doesn’t think the damage was carried out by thieves as the caravans all had brand-new heaters installed.

Instead he thinks it was a targeted attack. “There was a hammer left on the floor. They just went along smashing the doors and windows.”

He added: “They’re idiots. What good has it done them?”

Mr Payne said blood was left on some glass, which police took during their visit.

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a report of four caravans in Washway Road have been broken into overnight in December 18.

“If anyone has any information that can assist with our enquiry, please contact us on 101, incident 163 of 18/12.”

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