Bows and arrows which could maim or kill in the wrong hands have been stolen from an archery club.

Eastern Daily Press: A bow like the ones stolen from Norfolk Bowmen.A bow like the ones stolen from Norfolk Bowmen. (Image: Archant)

Thieves broke into a shipping contained at Norfolk Bowmen's range at Weston Longville, near Lenwade, on Friday night.

They stole seven complete archery kits, which were used to train beginners.

'They are weapons and I could seriously injure you with one,' said Jason Mills, secretary of the 35-strong club.

'The arrows stolen were not the right arrows for the bows, so they're already putting themselves at risk.'

Mr Mills, who comes from Taverham, said the arrows taken in the raid were too short for the stolen bows, meaning anyone attempting to use them together could shoot through their own hand or injure someone standing nearby if they veered off in flight.

He added the bows, which cost £160 each, were used in £30 training sessions for new archers. Five newcomers to the sport had to be turned away on Sunday.

'The theft of the beginners' equipment has left us a huge gap, with training courses booked, now having to be postponed for both young and old,' said Mr Mills.

A ride-on mower and a hand mower, together worth around £700, were also stolen when locks on the container were cut.

Mr Mills said the theft would impact on efforts to improve the site, off Rectory Road.

'This field was just a field of mud, we've built it up to be a range,' he added.

Members travel from as far as Diss, Acle and Necton to use the range.

Officials believe the container was broken into between 6.30pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday. Thieves are believed to have used a Transit-type van, with double rear wheels.

Police said the equipment stolen was worth a total of around £3,000 and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Contact Norfolk police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Is your club suffering as a result of a crime? Email chris.bishop@archant.co.uk