A FUNDRAISING page has been set up in support of a Basingstoke butcher shop which was broken into earlier this week.

John Burton’s Foodmarket, on Winklebury Centre, called the police in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a staff member arrived to see an intruder leaving out of the window.

The shop says computers and cash were taken, and the staff member was threatened, verbally and with a hammer.

Now, loyal customers from the community are showing their support of the family business.

Martyn Bagshaw set up a GoFundMe page on Thursday evening, which aims to raise £1,000 towards the costs of new security equipment for the shop.

The page reads: “As people know, John Burton’s got broken into. So let’s show the family how much we appreciate everything they do and how amazing their products are, by offering to pay towards more security cameras and safety for their hard-working shop, so they can stay open and feel that nothing will stop them.”

On reading the news of the break-in, one Facebook user commented: "Such a shame, losing that sort of money in these hard times could destroy a business.

“It’s a really nice butchers, run by nice people. They make you feel you want to visit again.”

Another added: “Shame. It’s a lovely family-run shop. Been there many times for BBQ food. Hope they catch them soon.”

You can find the fundraising page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/john-burton-butchers-basingstoke