RESIDENTS in Stanford-le-Hope have spoken of their shock and anger after a thief stole cash from a charity stall.

The incident happened in Scratton Road this morning where a white van, possibly withnumber plates pulled up outside a house where the fundraising stall for Hardie Park was erected.

Various items were for sale, with the money to be left in an honesty box.

However, a man got out of the van and walked over and stole the cash.

The stall was being managed by community stalwart James Brabyn who took to social media to ask residents: "Please keep an eye out for a dirty white transit type van Possibly Romanian registered vehicle (RO) (white number plates) with three dark-haired men.

"They just stole this morning's charity money for Hardie Park. They were last seen along Corringham Road."

Local residents have damned the thief on social media and some have offered to make good the loss, prompting a spokesperson for Hardie Park to say: "We are grateful for the local support and people offering to donate to make up for this negative impact on charity donations."