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Thugs have smashed down a century-old door to steal cash and valuables from a South Manchester charity.

Officials of the Withington Baths and Leisure Centre said the break-in happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

CCTV footage has been released by the leisure centre in the hope of catching the thieves.

The video does not show the moment the two masked thieves break into the premise, however they can be seen climbing over the counter into the office.

In 30 minutes the thieves were able to trash the office and steal the cash and valuables.

GMP told the M.E.N. the offenders wore gloves and masks and used an unknown implement to force entry into the side door.

Dennis Shannon, manager of the Withington Baths told the M.E.N. he arrived six that morning with two life guards.

Mr Shannon said he was shocked to discover the 105-year old doors had been vandalised and kicked open.

He entered the wrecked office and discovered a sum of cash and valuables had been stolen and immediately called the police.

He said: “It was a huge shock and very dispiriting. But we’ll make sure to keep the doors open for the Withington community.”

One of the raiders is described as tall, wearing white track suit pants, a white hoodie, a black leather jacket and carrying a messenger bag.

The second is smaller, wearing black pants, a white hoodie and a black balaclava.

Sian Astley, director of the Love Withington Baths charity, said she was upset to find the heavy heritage doors had been smashed open and vandalised: “That’s just about as upsetting as the theft itself. It takes the lowest kind of low to steal from a community charity,” she said.

The leisure centre had recently undergone a £150,000 revamp after the Love Withington Baths community group took over its management last June.

Ms Astley said she there has been an out pour of support from the community on social media.

She said the chances of the money being returned are slim but hopes it can be returned.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.