CRUEL thieves who targeted a foodbank which works tirelessly to help those in need, ransacking the premises and stealing vital supplies, have been branded the "lowest of the low".

It's thought Wyke Foodbank, which is based at The Hub, Blackstone Avenue, was hit over the weekend, with the damage discovered on Monday evening. Manager Bob Moon said that it is the second time it has happened and security had been increased, but the heartless culprits managed to break open a lock on a metal fence and also on doors to the cellar, where the food is kept. The kitchen was also ransacked.

Pictures from the scene show the extent of the damage caused to the door, which is thought to have been broken with a pick axe. Items were also strewn over the cellar. As well food products, a television and vacuum cleaner were also swiped.

"They've taken what they can in the time they've been here," Mr Moon said.

"It's all the damage afterwards, the clear-up. It's Christmas and clients are really desperate to have food."

Mr Moon said he felt "deflated" when he realised what had happened, but when word got out, the community rallied to help. He described the support as "absolutely fantastic".

Security will now be increased to ensure the building is as protected as it can be. Countless messages of support have been left in response to the news, with many people asking what they can do to help and where donations can be dropped off.

One person wrote on the foodbank's Facebook post: "So many people not only in our own community but surrounding areas really rely on the foodbank.

"This is absolutely heartbreaking. This is disgusting at any time of year but two weeks before Xmas is just shameful."

The commenter said that places like the foodbank are a "lifeline".

Wyke Foodbank, which has been up and running for three years, provides help for around 150 people per month - half of those are children under the age of 16. It's estimated that equates to around 1,350 meals per month.

Mr Moon said the foodbank has quadrupled the amount of help it provides since the rollout of Universal Credit earlier this year.

On one day in July, it saw more people than in the whole of June. Councillor David Warburton (Wyke, Labour) said: "I just think it's absolutely outrageous and despicable.

"To break into a foodbank at any time, but at this time of year, I just think it's absolutely disgusting. I've supported the foodbank since it opened and I call in regularly - I just think it's unforgivable."

He described those responsible as the "lowest of the low".

Police are investigating. Anyone with information should get in touch with police via 101, quoting crime reference number 13180618612.

The Wyke Village Residents Association has set up a fund here to help.

In an update, the foodbank said: "We have been amazed and overwhelmed by our community's support and generous donations...you are brilliant. Thank you so much from all the volunteers at Wyke Foodbank."

If people would like to make a donation, the foodbank has advised it's short of the following items:

Tinned Fruit
Tinned Potatoes
Tinned Cold Meat 
Tinned Fish
Tinned Rice Pudding
Tinned Custard
Jam
Long-life Fruit Juice
Tinned sponge puddings