Volunteers at a charity shop were left "upset and angry" after their Remembrance Day collection was stolen.

The British Legion and Animal Aid charity box at the RSPCA shop in Norwood Road, West Norwood, was taken on Wednesday, November 9, after a chain attaching it to the shop counter was cut.

A volunteer working in the shop realised the box had been stolen just moments after he served another customer, but was unable to retrieve it.

The collection box, which contained about £250 for both soldiers and animals injured during war, was targeted by thieves in a similar incident two years ago.

RSPCA trustee David Mauusan said he was shocked by what had happened.

He said: "We have spoken to the British Legion and they are absolutely disgusted. I know our volunteers are very upset and angry about it.

"I do not quite understand why someone would want to do that but I’m afraid that we live in that sort of society."

The British Legion, which celebrated its 90th anniversary this year, relies on donations from poppy appeals for one third of its annual income.

Councillor for Knight’s Hill ward, Jane Pickard, said: "It is disgraceful stealing from a charity at this time of year. It is a really mean little crime.

"There are a lot of desperate people out there and we have to make sure these things do not happen again. We need to be very vigilant."

Lambeth Police are investigating. Anyone with information should email PC Jess Campbell at Jess.m.campbell@met.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.