A "community hub" has been left out of pocket after a thief stole its outdoor furniture.

The Moody Cow, which opened in Fordingbridge three months ago, was targeted by a hooded man on Thursday night, August 8.

This was the same night Southampton footballing legend Matt Le Tissier was invited to the cafe bar to share stories from his career and take part in a live Q&A.

Read more: ​Matt Le Tissier unveils new events space in Fordingbridge

Staff trawled through hours of CCTV footage until they found a hooded man arrive and take the outside rattan furniture including a wicker bench, a coffee table and cushions.

The thief was seen stealing just after 11.30pm, shortly after staff had locked the premises up for the night which manager Paul Palmer said metaphorically "rings alarm bells" as the Moody Cow employs a lot of female staff.

"We're disappointed," he added.

"The owners launched a new business trying to make this a community hub and it's just sad when things like this happen."

The Moody Cow in Fordingbridge.The Moody Cow in Fordingbridge. (Image: NQ staff)

Mr Palmer was away when the thief descended upon Moody Cow but he reported the incident to Hampshire Police when he returned to work on Monday, August 19.

CCTV footage of the thief picking up a coffee table and several cushions was shared across the Moody Cow's social media page in an attempt to get the furniture returned.

Mr Palmer said the business is now reviewing its security measures to ensure staff feel safe and hopefully prevent an incident like this happening again.