More than £8,000 worth of equipment was taken in the break-inGeneric photo of police(Image: pstonier)

Thousands of pounds of equipment was stolen from a tattoo shop in East Bristol.

According to the business, a group of people broke into the St Jude’s-based Urban Jungle and took more than £8,000 worth of tattoo machines, inks and other essential business equipment.

Avon and Somerset Police said a man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary following the incident.

Sharing a post to social media, the shop said its artists are trying their “absolute best” to keep the studio open and honour all booked appointments for this week.

Studio owner Jayke Bishop has created a fundraiser in an effort to continue the business. “This equipment is our livelihood,” he said.

“Without it, we can’t work, can’t earn, and can’t keep the doors open for the clients who support us.

“We’re asking for help to replace the multiple machines, inks, power supplies, and other essentials that were taken.

“Every single donation, no matter how small, gets us one step closer to being able to work again and rebuild what was lost.”

He said four people broke into the shop between 2am and 5.30am on Monday, November 17.

The GoFundMe has already hit 75 percent of its target, with 83 people donating £2,115 so far.

“We’ve set up a GoFundMe to help us replace the essentials and get back on our feet,” an Instagram post on the studio’s page says.

“Times are tough for small businesses as it is and this has been a brutal set back”.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Officers are investigating a burglary from two businesses in Pennywell Road, in Bristol, between 1-6am yesterday (Monday 17 November).

“A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, assault and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He remains in police custody.

“Enquiries are ongoing.

“If you were in the area and witnessed anything suspicious, we ask you to please call 101 and quote reference 5225322050.”