Nearly £2,000 has been raised by the people of Hatfield and surrounding areas in under 24 hours after vandals ruined a Hatfield community hub.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb8jQmQXbeo&feature=youtu.be

A Go Fund Me page was set up yesterday after the Hatfield Connect premises above Pump Gyms, in Beaconsfield Court, was targeted by yobs between Saturday, January 13, 5pm and Monday, January 15, 1pm.

Offenders broke in, vandalised walls and furniture, stole items, ripped out security cameras and lights from the ceiling, barricaded all the exits and kicked walls down.

In under 20 hours £1,854 was raised, beating a target of £1,000.

The main area, which received the worst damage, was due to be a space for children on the autism spectrum or who have ADHD to enjoy, feel safe, make friends, and have fun in.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Angela Gaughan set up the group - Potential Kids - and was looking forward to running the group from the Hatfield Connect premises.

The police have informed the Welwyn Hatfield Times that they are investigating and urge anyone who saw anything suspicious or may have information that could help their investigations to call 101.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times.The damage caused to the Hatfield community hub in Beaconsfield Court. Picture: Welwyn Hatfield Times. (Image: Archant)