Coatbridge food bank vows to open after vandalism spree Published duration 21 December 2017

image copyright Coatbridge Community Food Bank image caption The building was trashed by vandals

A North Lanarkshire food bank is vowing to re-open after being devastated by vandals just days before Christmas.

Coatbridge Community Food Bank was trashed overnight on Wednesday when entry to the building was forced, with roller shutters, furniture and offices all damaged.

The food bank estimates repair costs will run into the thousands.

But staff say they will work as a team to open as normal on Friday to make sure "nobody goes hungry at Christmas".

The crime was revealed by staff on their Facebook page on Thursday.

Heartbroken

They posted: "It is with great sadness and devastation that our Coatbridge Community Food Bank was broken into last night and trashed.

"Coatbridge Food Bank at this time helps so many families, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.

image copyright Coatbridge Community Food Bank image caption The outside of the building has been damaged

"We are heartbroken, but will pull together as a team."

The post shared pictures of the devastation, including damage to the outside of the building in Coatbank Street and the mess made inside.

Food can be seen spilled onto the floor and offices appear to have been ransacked.

image copyright Coatbridge Community Food Bank image caption Staff say the damage will cost thousands to repair

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We can confirm that around 9.30am today, police received a report of items having been stolen from a food bank in Coatbridge.

"Some of the items have been recovered and inquiries are ongoing."