A music shop is on the verge of closing down after thugs smashed their way into community studios two nights in a row and snatched TWENTY FIVE guitars.

The Monkey House Music Shop could be forced to shut after the instruments - the majority of which belonged to customers and musicians - were stolen on Friday and Saturday night.

It is thought the haul was worth at least £15,000.

The owners had to sleep in the shop, at Brunswick Mill Studios in Ancoats, on Sunday night to make sure nothing else was taken.

The store was set up by Sonny Fox and Marc Greaves last year. It is part of the community studios venue at Brunswick Mill, which offers musicians a place to practise, perform, record, get their instruments repaired and hire equipment.

On Friday night, raiders smashed a window and took three guitars and cash. A rare Gibson EB bass guitar was taken, as well as two Japanese Fender Telecasters.

On Saturday night, a second break-in saw another 20-plus guitars taken. Thugs broke metal bars on a window to get in. It is believed at least 25 instruments, ranging from £500 to well over £1,000 apiece, were taken.

Most belonged to musicians who use Brunswick Mill Studios and customers of the shop. Some had insurance, but many didn’t.

Some of the instruments are too rare to replace or have huge sentimental value.

Sonny said: “We’re mortified. I’m hoping for some sort of miracle or that someone crosses paths with some of these instruments. Some of them are pretty distinct guitars.”

It is thought those who broke in had been in the studios and shop before as they managed to dodge CCTV cameras.

Brunswick Mill Studios boss Mike Rickard said: “Sonny and Marc are gutted, they’re talking about having to close down.

“They only set up in November. Setting up the studios has been about building up a real community of musicians. It’s a horrible thing to happen. Some of these guitars are very old and rare. We’re just hoping people will spot them if people are trying to sell them and call the police.”

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said the burglaries are being investigated.

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

A fund has been set up to help Sonny and Marc and those whose guitars were taken.

To contribute, visit: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/robbery-at-the-monkey-house-music-shop