Raiders have stolen a cache of six rifles and nine air weapons after using sledghammers to smash their way into a gun club’s premises.

Six .22 calibre rimfire rifles, five 1.77 air rifles and four target air pistols were taken in the raid at Keighley Rifle & Pistol Club’s base at Parkwood.

The gang used the hammers to break through an outside concrete wall and then forced open locked and wall-mounted cabinets to reach the weapons.

They also ransacked the building, causing extensive damage, but no live ammunition or rifle magazines were taken.

Club bosses said they were shocked by the incident, but that the 40-member club would continue as normal “This year is the club’s 80th anniversary and I’ve never experienced any incident like this before – it’s heartbreaking,” said a spokesman.

“There is a lot of damage and much repair work to be done, but the club is open as usual.”

He added that security was crucial to the club and every possible measure had been taken in strict accordance with firearms regulations.

But he added there would now be a review to see if improvements could be made.

The club is seeking grant-funding to build on its past sporting successes with members competing at international level “The weapons were all locked away in fully-approved gun cabinets,” the spokesman said.

“Home Office guidelines are followed to the letter.

“The police provided us with immediate and comprehensive support following the incident and we have fully co-operated with them.

“We are now awaiting the outcome of the police report. We will be looking at what has happened and reviewing our procedures. We had what we thought was adequate security but that has been breached.”

The break-in occurred sometime between last Thursday evening and the following morning.

The stolen weapons belonged to the club, rather than individual members and were for use by new recruits who do not possess their own guns.

Air rifles and air pistols fire pellets and cannot be converted to take other ammunition.

Police are now urgently trying to trace the weapons and have urged anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact officers.

Detective Inspector Richard Partis, of North Bradford and Airedale police, who is leading the investigation, said yesterday: “We would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to track down these weapons. If anyone is offered any firearms or air weapons they should contact us on 101 or call Crimestoppers in confidence, on 0800 555 111.”