Small Claims Court - Missing Contents From House Purchase

Viewed a property in Dec 2017. Made an offer and accepted in Jan 2018. As the conveyancing was taking such a long time, viewed the property again in May 2018 and in Sept 2018. Completed and exchanged the purchase on 19 Oct 2018. The property was refurbished and included new carpets throughout, cooker hood and toilet (wc).

I received the keys to the property on 19/10/18 at 17:15. I went to the property on 20/10/18 at 10:00. The toilet was broken, cooker hood missing and all carpets removed. I immediately rang the police, they sent some officers to the house and took fingers prints, and footprints. The back window was open and the alarm turned off from the fuse box. I do not have the alarm code. I also rang the estate agents to inform them of the situation.

The police have informed me that this occurred before I took ownership on 19/10/18 so I am not the victim. The victim will be the previous owner as it happened during her ownership of the property and the police are communicating with the estate agents. As far as I am aware the police have closed the case as they cannot find who did the crime.

As mentioned on the Fittings and Contents Form, section 4 carpets for the entire house are included but not present when I became the owner. Section 2 kitchen extract hood included is not present. Section 3 bathroom although not listed separately it mentions ‘bathroom utilities’ is present but smashed.

Also stated on the fittings and contents form is:
Unless states otherwise, the seller will be responsible for ensuring that all rubbish is removed from the property (including from the loft, garden, outbuildings, garages and sheds), and the property is left in a reasonably clean and tidy condition.
On the front of the property there is rubbish/junk as is the same for the rear garden. This would require at least 2 skips.

I informed my solicitors on 22/10/2018 and the reply received from the former owners solicitor is as follows:
“Our client is not willing to reimburse your client.
She does not live near the property and had not been there for many months. Everything said to be left in the property information form was there when she left the property. She did not have any keys these were all with the agents and the onus is on the buyer to ensure that they inspect the property before exchange.
Our client no longer had insurance for the property so your client will have to claim on their insurance.“

My home insurance didn't start until 22/10/2018 and it was buildings only (as the house was empty). I have estimates of the work to be completed totaling in the region of £2.5k. If I was to take this to a small claims court (claim amount £1,500.01 to £3,000, court fee is £105), how likely is it that I would win?

I have photos of how the property was when I viewed, the electronic brochure from the estate agents and pictures after I took possession. My argument would be when I view the property on the 3 occasions, it had the contents in the property. Regardless of whther the owner, estage agens or vandals removed the said contents, as it was included in the fittings and contents form it should be present.

I have the previous owners name and address (no telephone number) from notification of sale (from the estate agents when the offered was accepted) and also a letter ready to send to the previous owners stating “As it has not been possible to resolve this matter amicably, and it is apparent that court action may be necessary, I write in compliance with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct.”

Your advice would be appreciated.