DISAPPOINTED children were turned away from a playground yesterday after burglars raided the charity’s building.

Staff at South Oxford Adventure Playground, known as SOAP, turned about 30 children away on the first day of half-term because of damage caused by the intruders.

It is estimated to run into hundreds of pounds.

The free playground can accommodate up to 200 children on a good day and although bad weather has set in, organisers still expect to see about 300 children this week overall.

An iPod music system was taken during the overnight raid, but nothing else of value was kept in the hut off Whitehouse Road in Grandpont, South Oxford.

Nicky Pear, a play leader, said the playground was due to reopen today. He told the Oxford Mail: “I am appalled at the thought that anyone would dream of breaking into a children’s playground just in half term. I cannot quite believe it.”

He added: “There are some regulars who really rely on us for half -term provision and the children were expecting to come down and have fun. They were obviously really disappointed.”

Dan Pear, Nicky’s brother, also a play leader, said: “I am appalled that someone could do this. The playground is relied on by a diverse range of parents throughout Oxfordshire.”

SOAP is a charity run by five staff members and volunteers to provide a space for children aged seven and over in which to play after school and during the school holidays.

There are swings and a climbing frame in the playground. The hut contains a staff room, kitchen and space for indoor activities such as crafts.

South Oxford mum-of-four Kay Delves said: “It is awful.

“I said to my children someone has broken into SOAP and my son said ‘why would anyone break into a childrens’ playground?’ “It is so stupid and such a shame because everyone works so hard to keep it open. The children are disappointed. It is a real shame.”

South Oxford dad-of-one Rob Poulter said: “A lot of families depend on the playground, especially during half-term, as low-cost childcare. So I think it is a tragedy for them.”

SOAP relies on donations to run after-school and holiday activities.

Visit justgiving.com/local/project/Help-get-SOAP-open-after-school

It is believed the burglars broke in through the hut’s back door some time late on Monday or early Tuesday morning before the crime was reported at 9.49am.

Anyone who has information should contact Thames Valley Polcie on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.