A SUSPECTED break-in at a community centre which is the 'beating heart' of a city estate sparked a police response while a city councillor was alerted by the alarm going off.
Cllr Ed Kimberley arrived at the Warndon Hub in Shap Drive, Warndon, Worcester on Sunday (November 3) after he attended to switch off the alarm only to find the police already there.
A fire extinguisher was reportedly stolen during the incident but Worcester Community Trust, which manages the building, has yet to officially comment.
Investigations into the suspected break-in are ongoing, West Mercia Police has confirmed.
Cllr Kimberley, elected as a Labour councillor for Warndon and Elbury Park, praised West Mercia Police for responding to the incident so swiftly and spoke of the value of the centre to the community.
The Warndon Community Hub is the largest hub managed by Worcester Community Trust and the building includes three large halls (two with stages), meeting rooms and two fully equipped kitchens.
Cllr Kimberley said: "The Warndon Hub is the beating heart of our community and hosts a whole range of services, including cooking classes, kids' clubs, exercise sessions, support for victims of domestic violence, and of course the famous Open Door Café project.
"It may seem like harmless fun to the kids involved, but fire extinguishers are there to protect people in emergency situations, and without them, the hub would be much less safe.
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"Not to mention the cost, if they have to be replaced! I am very grateful to West Mercia for their swift response to this incident, and to nearby residents for raising the alarm about the situation. Your reports matter, and will help us bring the culprits to account."
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We received a report of a potential break-in at Warndon Community Centre on Shap Drive at around 6.30pm yesterday (Sunday, November 3).
"Officers attended and nothing had been stolen or damaged. Enquiries are now on going."
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