BRIDPORT Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves targeted a learning centre for vulnerable adults in the town.

Police have said that the incident occured overnight on October 7, the Bridport centre for adults with learning disabilities in Flood Lane was targeted by thieves.

The centre had lead stolen from a section of the roof and from around some windows. The building provides essential support services for vulnerable adults with learning disabilities of all ages from across the area, and will now need costly repairs to prevent further weather damage.

PC Scott McGregor from Bridport Police said: “This despicable crime is an example of how low culprits have stooped in their selfish act of theft.

“This is a community building and as a result, it is the community who will be directly affected by their selfishness.

“People in the community know who these thieves are and we appeal to them to get in touch with us.”

Jill Haynes, Dorset County Council's Cabinet member for Adult Services, labelled the incident as a 'shameful crime' which targets some of the most vulnerable people in the town.

She added: "The County Council will do its utmost to make sure the building remains available for use, until we are able to move the residents to the new Hub which we are in the process of developing."

Anyone with any information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting crime reference 41909, or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.