THE owners of a newly-opened Wirral clothes store are "truly devastated" after thieves caused thousands of pounds of damage, forcing its temporary closure.

Moodcollective designer wear in Birkenhead was broken into in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

More than £10,000 worth of stock was taken from this small and new business.

The shop was also smashed up, along with damage that has to be repaired by owners Nathan Moody and Jacey Aspinall.

In a statement, the couple said today: "We are truly devastated by the recent events.

"It's only recently we have seen the consequences of our hard work.

"Mood is our passion, we have put our all into keeping it a success."

Wirral Globe:

Jacey Aspinall and Nathan Moody

"Undoubtedly, this year has been difficult for any business and this was the last thing we needed on top of that.

"We are truly devastated that someonme we live amongst in our community could do this.

"The support we have received over the past few years has been incredibly heart-warming, so we thank you all dearly."

Nathan's devastated sister Melissa Moody said the break-in was "a huge huge loss to this amazing couple who would literally help anybody" and has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay towards the cost of repairs.

She told the Globe today: "We're in difficult circumstances during covid and owning a new business, trying to stay above water.

"As Nathan’s sister, I have set up a go fund me page to try and help this local small business gain support from our community to help them get back on their feet.

"Many rushed to share the incident on social media.

"The shop is based in Birkenhead and is not a chain, just one store.

"They tirelessly worked hard to get it to where it was.

"I'm working long night shifts at Arrowe Park Hospital and then all day to bring awareness and share the go fund me page and asking other people to share it not just for donations but for awareness."

Melissa Moody continued: "It is utterly devastating for these people who have worked so hard for their livelihoods and for it to just be taken by people with no morals.

"Let’s help support our local small businesses and catch these low lives. The GoFundMe page is https://gf.me/u/y6ji7s"

Merseyside Police confirmed an investigation into the burglary was underway. CCTV and forensic enquiries have been carried out.

An appealing for anyone with information has also been launched.

Detective Inspector Paul Parry said: "I would ask for anyone who was in vicinity of Grange Road on Monday night who saw anyone on anything suspicious to contact us.

"I would also ask if anyone has been offered any designer clothing for sale in the past few days to get in touch."

Contact @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20000650256.