STAFF at the Waltham Forest Night Shelter are devastated after thieves made off with ten sleeping bags and three computers containing vital records.

Thieves smashed a window at the night shelter office in Forest Road, Walthamstow, early on Wednesday, January 7.

However, one of the thieves left blood on the floor and smeared on the wall after cutting himself or herself on the broken window.

Forensic experts have taken samples of the blood for DNA testing, which may hold vital clues to the thieves' identity.

Night shelter manager Peter Baldwin said: "It really is galling. We have managed to salvage some of our computer records, which contain our clients' details.

"If anyone has a computer or sleeping bags they would like to donate to us they will be gratefully received."

Mr Baldwin added that shelter offered to rough sleepers on Tuesdays in the United Reformed Church, Wood Street was still coming under fire from residents.

He said: "It is disappointing that residents in Wood Street are still meeting the night shelter with resistance. The church is a public place where everyone is welcome."

Over the festive season more than 600 hot meals were served by staff and volunteers at the night shelter.

To book a place at one of the night shelters phone 8521 3941.

The weekly night shelter rota is: Sunday, Greenleaf Baptist Church, Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow; Monday, Elim Pentecostal Church, corner of Hainault Road and Fairlop Road, Leytonstone; Tuesday, Wood Street United Reformed Church, Vallentin Road, Walthamstow; Thursday, Truro Road Community Centre, off High Street, Walthamstow; Friday, Blackhorse Baptist Church, Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow; Saturday, YMCA, Forest Road, Walthamstow.