Bosses at Foxhall Speedway stadium are today counting the cost after copper thieves caused a massive �40,000 worth of damage.

Offenders broke into the home of the Ipswich Witches and smashed up four toilet blocks. Sinks, cisterns and urinals were ripped from walls – flooding floors with water – and toilet doors were pulled from their hinges during the theft last Wednesday night.

Bosses at the stadium have been busy repairing the damage to ensure that the Witches’ next race meeting against Scunthorpe on May 12 can go-ahead.

Christer Earrey, stadium manager, said: “We still don’t know the true extent of the damage but it could be as much as �40,000.

“The damage is pretty severe because they’ve ripped sinks and cisterns right off the walls to get to the copper pipes.

“It’s ironic because the thieves only stole �100 worth of copper which was recovered by police in the end.

“We’re still repairing the damaged blocks and have drafted in temporary portable cabins because the speedway and stock car season is in full swing.

“Calling off meetings would have cost us more money.”

Following the incident police officers descended on the stadium with sniffer dogs and were able to locate the stolen copper nearby.

Mr Earrey added: “We get break-ins from time to time but nothing like this has ever happened before.

“Copper thefts are becoming more common because the price of the metal is so high and it’s amazing the lengths people will go to just to get it.”

Following the incident a 21-year-old man from Ipswich was arrested on suspicion of burglary and was released on bail until June 4.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.