Vandals cause damage to Gigg Lane stadium just weeks ahead of Bury FC's triumphant return to football

Vandals have caused damage to Bury FC's Gigg Lane stadium - just weeks before the club is hoping to make a triumphant return to football following a rocky few years.

Bury FC bosses have 'raised concerns' with Bury Council and Greater Manchester Police following an increase in vandalism and trespassing at Gigg Lane stadium - including an incident at the weekend where a group of youths were said to have broken into a toilet block before setting off fireworks.

The offenders then smashed panels and damaged parts around the stadium. The club said the youths left behind evidence with their names on, which suggests those involved are still at school. The club said the schools in question have been informed.

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In a statement on Tuesday (April 12), Bury FC said: “Following conversations with GMP and Bury Council, we have raised concerns due to the increase in trespassers entering Gigg Lane, causing damage and disruption to #TheGiggCleanup. Due to data protection, we cannot share the CCTV images and videos on social media but they will be circulated to the relevant parties so that they can identify the people involved.

"Over the weekend the group of 4 (believed to be aged 11-18) broke into the toilet block and set off fireworks. They also smashed panels and damaged parts around the stadium. The initial group left some documents with their names on and their school have been informed, so they will now deal with that on their return from the Easter break.”

The 136-year-old football club has been actively trying to get back on its feet after a difficult few years. Bury FC was kicked out of the Football League in