Vandals wreck sports ground toilets in 'malicious' attack (2025)

“It is completely malicious. There is not one working part in there that we can look at using”

A ‘malicious’ attack on a sports ground in South Bristol has left the toilet block completely unusable.

A new toilet block was installed at Imperial Sports Ground in West Town Lane in July last year - but just 10 months later vandals broke into the site last week and destroyed it.

Sports ground general site manager, Matthew Sach said the urinals, toilets, sinks and lighting had all been ripped off the walls.

He said he wasn’t aware of the extent of the damage until he was sent a video showing him the evidence, at which point he said his heart sank.

He added: “It is completely malicious. There is not one working part in there that we can look at using.

“This container was really important for so many children that play over there.

“During the best part of a weekend, throughout the football and rugby season, you are probably looking at around 500 people plus that play over there. This toilet was integral to them.”

Sign up to receive daily news updates and breaking news alerts straight to your inbox for free here.

The incident was reported to Avon and Somerset police, and anyone with information is asked to contact the force.

A spokesperson said: "We received a call shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, April 8 by a member of the public who reported damage was being caused at the sports ground. Officers attended and found damage to toilet facilities.

“Anyone with information that could assist our enquiries is asked to contact us online, or on 101, quoting reference number 5225100260.”

Mr Sach also posted a video of the damage to Facebook to show the problem and to warn other clubs so they can make sure facilities are secure.

The post got nearly 200,000 views and received an outpour of support from the community with over 100 comments and messages to Mr Sach offering help with cleaning and refitting the toilets.

“The response from the community has been incredible, said Mr Sach.

“I never thought so many people would see and so many people would be in touch, and I never thought so many people would be willing to help.

“It just shows what an incredible community we have around us, and not only how important we are but how important they are to us.”

The building firm which originally installed the toilets, Hareclive Construction, has offered its support in rebuilding the facilities.

Mr Sach said Tommy Lansdown, a plumber, had been in contact to help and someone had also offered a skip free of charge to rip out all the damaged materials.

People also commented on the Facebook post saying they would give up their time to help clear out the current facility.

The centre is a non-profit run by South Bristol Sports Centre, and host Bristol Imperial Rugby, Bristol Imperial Football, Whitchurch Sports Junior Football Club and Bristol United Football Club. It has an average of around 11,000 people visiting each month.