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Tony Anderson and Leigh Murphy, of Safe Haven Leeds, were shocked to receive a call from police telling them what had happened sometime overnight between November 10 and 11.

Vandals broke into the van - registration KM11 NJN - that was parked in front of their furniture warehouse in Kirkfields Industrial Centre in Yeadon, before smashing into the locked gate to escape.

Leigh said: "The van is vital for our work - it's used to deliver furniture sales and furniture to those in need.

"They have made a right mess of the gates and the entrance.

"The van must be badly damaged."

Neighbours reported hearing loud bangs at around 11.30pm on Tuesday and the van was spotted through a red light at Murgatroyds.

Leigh said she assumed the thieves did not know the area, as they drove down Whack House Lane towards the narrow bridge, which is too small for a van to squeeze through without getting damaged.

The thieves reversed into the gates to break out of the area.

Tony added: "Once we learnt all the facts about the situation we asked the Lord to help all those involved including those that took the vehicle."

Safe Haven, which also operates as a food bank and supports women and children fleeing domestic violence, has been going for 10 years.

It started in Horsforth before moving to Yeadon, with the trustees planning on moving to a bigger premises nearby soon.

The pair have set up a fundraising page to try to recoup the cost of the van, and said they have been overwhelmed by the response.

Damage to the wall at the front of the building.

Leigh wrote: "We have experienced nothing like it before.

"The comments from you, the public, have been pouring in throughout yesterday and today.

"Witnesses have come forward, you have sent your love and offers of help.

"We are very positive here and believe that the work we do must carry on.

"We recently put in place plans to move to larger premises of which the van is a vital part.

"It is intended that we will help even more families and create more jobs."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were investigating.

If you have any information, call police or use the online chat via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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