POLICE investigating a break-in at a village's precious community hall are today hoping forensic evidence on a smashed door could hold a vital clue to tracing the raiders.

POLICE investigating a break-in at a village's precious community hall are today hoping forensic evidence on a smashed door could hold a vital clue to tracing the raiders.

Forensic experts have taken samples which they hope will lead them directly to the burglar who kicked in the committee room door at the Welcome Hall in Trimley St Mary.

They have also taken samples of fingerprints and other evidence from the building in High Road.

Volunteers who looked after the hall - which serves a large number of community groups and is used by the very young to the elderly - said they were relieved the damage was not worse.

Mary Dixon, chairman of the management committee, said they were now looking at ways to strengthen security.

“As far as we can tell, nothing has been stolen,” said Mrs Dixon.

“The door to the inner room was forced open and the locks broken on two cupboards as the intruder was obviously searching for something to steal - money or something to sell, we guess.

“Fortunately, there is not a lot damage and we are very relieved that there was no vandalism inside as that would have been awful to deal with

“It was a bit disturbing for the cleaner when she arrived and found the back door wide open - it was bit unnerving because she didn't know if there was still someone inside.”

She said the century-old hall had been very lucky over the years and had not been targeted by thieves, and its work was respected throughout the community.

“We will have to look at our security now and ways to strengthen it,” she added.

The raiders entered the building by a window and after searching it fled via the back door.

Police investigating the incident, which happened in the early hours of yesterday morning, appealed for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or saw people near the building or running away from it, to contact Pc Mark Jackaman on 01473 613500.