A football team's minibus was stolen from a rival club's ground during a competitive cup match, leaving visiting players stranded and prompting a police investigation. The incident occurred at The Lamb, the home stadium of Tamworth FC, while the team was hosting Alvechurch FC in the third round of the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday evening.
Match Night Theft Leaves Team Stranded
The white Ford Transit minibus, belonging to Alvechurch FC, was taken from the car park off Kettlebrook Road at approximately 8:58pm, just as the match was underway. According to reports, the vehicle departed the premises at 9:03pm, coinciding with the arrival of a black Hyundai hatchback that left the scene alongside the stolen bus.
Alvechurch FC expressed their disappointment on social media platform X, stating: "Disappointing end to last night's game. Our minibus was stolen from the car park of the Lamb. If anyone remembers seeing it in the Tamworth area between 8-11pm last night please get in touch." The club provided the registration number as YS64 XXV to assist with identification.
Club Statements and Police Response
Tamworth Football Club also issued a statement condemning the theft, which occurred while both teams were competing on the pitch. The club detailed the precise timing of the incident and appealed to supporters and local residents for assistance.
The statement read: "We are asking for supporters who were leaving the ground and local residents who live on Kettlebrook Road and Glascote Road to check any cameras and doorbell cameras to see if they pick up the vehicles leaving." Contact information and a police reference number (21260017785) were provided to facilitate reporting.
Staffordshire Police confirmed they were called to The Lamb Ground on Cross Street, Tamworth, at 10:45pm on Tuesday, February 3rd, following the report. A police spokesman stated: "A white Ford Transit team bus belonging to Alvechurch FC was stolen from the car park. A black Hyundai car left the scene alongside the stolen bus. It happened at about 9pm."
Vehicle Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
Fortunately, the stolen minibus was later recovered from an address in the West Midlands area, though specific details about its condition or any arrests made have not been disclosed. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to identify the occupants of the black Hyundai and determine the circumstances surrounding the theft.
This incident has highlighted security concerns at sports grounds and the vulnerability of team vehicles during evening matches. Both clubs have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in resolving the matter.
