THIEVES raided Crosfields Rugby League Club this weekend to steal the possessions of players who were celebrating the life and legacy of fallen solider, Tom Sephton.

The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy returned to the town on Saturday for its sixth year to raise money for armed forces charities in memory of the Great Sankey soldier who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2010.

Tom was wounded in an explosion while on patrol in the district of Helmand province.

The event, organised by Tom’s family, friends and former colleagues from the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (1 MERCIAN), acted as a fitting tribute to the soldier and has grown into the biggest amateur rugby league event in Britain.

But the fundraiser took a shocking turn after thieves ransacked the changing rooms sometime between 3.30pm and 5.20pm – stealing wallets, phones including a Samsung Galaxy Note Three, cash and a watch.

Colour sergeant Alan Boyle, who helped to organise the event, described the moment he discovered what had happened as 'devastating'.

He said: "We had done all the field presentations and the players were being clapped off the pitch.

"The changing rooms were locked but they realised something was amiss straightaway.

"We were devastated – more so at the callousness of it all.

"This is not only a celebration for armed forces day but in celebration of the life of Tom Sephton.

"He left behind a legacy and I cannot understand why anyone would do such a thing."

It is believed thieves gained access to the building through a skylight in the roof but police were unable to confirm these details as investigations are ongoing.

A £600 reward has been offered for anyone who can help trace the stolen watch, which was given to one of the players by his grandfather – just weeks before he died.

"We would like to see all the items returned but the watch has sentimental value.

"He is natural inconsolable about it but no more so than the family of Tom,” said Sgt Boyle.

But despite the heartbreaking end of the fundraiser, Sgt Boyle said the team at The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy will not be beaten.

He said: "We will be coming back next year and it will be bigger and better than before.

"My blood is boiling over the callousness and I can't believe someone would stoop so low.

"I do not know how anyone could do this."

It is understood this is the first break-in to happen at the Crosfields Rugby League Club this year.

Anyone who attended the event and took photographs has been asked to post them on The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy Facebook page by clicking here.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said investigations are ongoing and has urged anyone who spotted anything suspicious to call Cheshire Police on 1010 citing crime incident number 619 of June 27 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.