A Stroud charity shop which supports people who have experienced homelessness has been left counting the cost following a break-in.

Staff found the Emmaus Gloucestershire charity shop on London Road with items thrown across the floor when they opened yesterday (18th February).

The charity is now missing several items of value following the break-in, with their safe, till float and charity donation tin believed to have been taken.

The burglars appeared to have gained entry by smashing a rear window, before searching through the store and then breaking through the rear door.

Gloucestershire Police is now investigating the incident.

Emmaus supports people who were homeless by offering them a place to live for as long as they need it and the chance to gain work experience by volunteering in their shops in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Nailsworth, and Stroud.

Joe Feeley, chief executive at Emmaus Gloucestershire, said: "We are sad to confirm that there was a burglary at our Stroud shop, and we are working with the police on this matter. Everyone at Emmaus is heartbroken and we can't believe someone could do that to any shop, let alone a charity shop.

"They went through all our things and trashed everything in the store. We rely so much on the generosity of people donating items to our shops and it's sad to see the damage caused by the break-in and the loss of income for our charity.

"Most of the people in our shops are formerly homeless and work hard to generate an income, which in turn pays for their home, food, training and support. Now we will need to pay for the damage that has been caused and we don't know how much it's going to cost. We urge anyone with any information that may help the police to come forward to help us recover from this awful incident."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting incident number 11018/02/20 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.