THE management team at one of Wirral's oldest theatres is "absolutely heartbroken" after vandals smashed windows and damaged the roof.

Shocking images on the Gladstone Theatre's Facebook page show the damage caused over the weekend.

Wirral Globe:

A crowdfunding campaign had already been set up to save the venue from imminent closure and this latest incident is devastating.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Globe:

The iconic theatre, in Greendale Road, has entertained the public since the early 1890s.

It was among hundreds of performance spaces across the country forced to close its doors when the pandemic began.

The theatre's management had recently found out their application for the Culture Recovery Grant from the Government, to help them through the crisis was unsuccessful.

They now need your help in order to pay for the costs of repairing the damage and and also help ensure that the shows can go on long into the future.

Wirral Globe:

In a message on Facebook following the vandalism, the theatre's management said: "We are absolutely heartbroken to announce that we have been subject to some horrendous vandalism that took place in Port Sunlight over the weekend.

"Our beautiful theatre has unfortunately seen a significant amount of smashed windows alongside roof damage.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Globe:

"After the impacts of COVID-19, whilst currently Crowdfunding to save our theatre from imminent closure, this really is devastating news.

"Now more than ever we are asking that if you would like to donate to help us in our fight for survival, no matter how small, please do so via our Crowdfunding Page at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-the-gladstone

"We are determined to keep on fighting and will not let this stop us! Together we will #SaveTheGladstone

"And as always, remember... This is not the finale, it is just an interval

"Love from everyone at the Gladstone Theatre"

Merseyside Police have stepped up patrols in the area after the incident.

A spokesperson said: "We are investigating following criminal damage at a Wirral theatre yesterday, Monday November 23. At around 1.10pm, damage was reported to windows of the Gladstone Theatre on Greendale Road, Port Sunlight.

"Our enquiries are ongoing.

"Extra patrols will be in the area following this and other recent incidents.

"If you saw this damage being caused, live nearby and captured anything suspicious on home CCTV or dashcam or have any other information, please contact us @MerPolCC with reference 425 of 23 November, call 101, or you can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."