England cricketer Mark Wood thanks community for support after 'devastating' burglary at Ashington Cricket Club

An England cricketer has thanked the community for its support after a devastating burglary at a Northumberland cricket club.

Ashington Cricket Club was broken into during the early hours of May 12, with the culprit making off with a "large quantity of cash" and booze. The club also suffered significant damage during the raid, with the till destroyed and other items damaged.

Durham and England cricketer Mark Wood, who started his career at the Ashington club, shared a video message on social media and said the incident was "devastating" for all those involved with the club.

• READ MORE: See Northumberland killer bragging of inflicting 'street justice' then being arrested in hotel

• Keep up to date with all the latest local news from Northumberland with our free newsletter

Mark said: "Unfortunately we have had some really bad news over the weekend. Like most clubs around the country there has been some bad weather, so we have missed four weeks which has cost the club a lot.

"We are a club that looks after itself and all the local members, and the local community comes up and supports the club.

"So those four weeks cost the club big, so this weekend when the weather was great it meant a lot to the club with the junior practice and with the first team, senior men's playing, it meant the club got back what it had lost for those four weeks.

"Unfortunately, on Sunday morning the club found out there had been a burglary, damages and money stolen and it is devastating for the people who work here. Everybody volunteers, everybody associated with the club, the club has been ripped through. A horrific event for everyone who has worked so hard to make this a safe place for everyone.

"The bar area was recently done up and that has been smashed up so everyone here is really gutted about that.

Mark, who brought the England World Cup back to the club in 2019, said there had been "amazing" support for the local community.

He said: "However, I have to say thank you. There has been amazing support from the community, local business and lads from the local cricket club. The people I have really got to thank are Ashington Football Club, Ashington Rugby Club and Seaham Park Cricket Club.

"They are just a few examples of people who have helped out to try and get the club back on track.

"What I will say if anyone would like to continue we are very grateful as a cricket club. I still come up here myself along with Steve Harmison, this is our home club and we try everything we can to get this club back on its feet. It has been a devastating loss. What I will say is this, this community spirit in Ashington will continue and we will continue to look after our own."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We received a report of burglary at a premises on Langwell Crescent in Ashington, which is believed to have taken place between 2.15am and 4.10am on Sunday (May 12). It was reported that an offender gained entry to the premises and took a quantity of cash before leaving the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information regarding the report should use the ‘Report’ page or call 101, quoting crime reference number 054641C/24."