TEENAGE squatters have been accused of breaking into a beach hut, damaging it, and then staying in it overnight by the horrified owner. 

The owner of the beach hut, who asked to remain anonymous, claims that two teenagers broke in, changed the locks, and stored what she believed to be stolen items in the property on Thorpe Bay seafront.

When she managed to get into the beach hut, she found a knife on the counter, drugs, urine in the bottle, and a number of items that she believes had been stolen. 

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She claims that multiple other beach huts have also been vandalised. 

The furious owner added: “We believe they have been sleeping in the hut from Friday to Monday as they were spotted on the Friday, and told a local that it was their uncle’s, who is letting them use it.

“Then someone who knows me spotted them on the Monday in there, so me and a friend went down, where they both then ran off.

“In the beach hut, there was a knife, drugs, and also urine in a bottle. The knife was probably to defend themselves. The locks have been changed too.

“It is shocking. They have eaten all the food in there, there are two heaters down there on too.

“They had to be sleeping in there, they were two bench seats with throws and cushions on. Two portable heaters on and had battery lanterns for light. They had also thrown outside into the rain all the belongings of ours they didn’t want.

“I have since been told there were 15 huts damaged altogether.

“I am so upset, my beach hut has been left in a really bad state - filthy, and dirty.”

Essex Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident, which is believed to have taken plane between November 2 and 27. 

A spokesman added: “We need anyone with information on the incident to get in contact as soon as possible.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

“Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

“Please quote crime reference 42/288915/22.”