A THURROCK charity fundraiser has spoken of her shock and anger after a Christmas Day thief stole a donation box containing cash for a hospice.

The thief struck last evening at the home of Kelly Hirst and her family on Eden Green just off Afton Drive in South Ockendon.

The garden at their home has been festooned with inflatable Christmas figures as the family have collected funds for Havens Hospices, including Little Havens Children's Hospice.

Earlier this month Thurrock Nub Newsreported on their efforts and the creation of a Just Giving page.

A collecting box was mounted at the entrance of the garden as well but last night someone stole it, leaving Kelly to say: "We were shocked, disappointed and to see that someone could do such a thing. Imagine stealing from a children's hospice – just how low can some people go?

"We have been putting on Christmas displays for several years and this is the first time something like this has happened."

Police were informed of the theft and shown CCTV footage which captures just a glimpse of the thief walking away after taking the box. But with little by way of identification they hold out little hope of catching the thief unless someone has information, which can be shared with the force by calling 101.