POLICE have launched an investigation into a "despicable crime" after three charity boxes were stolen from a pub in Christchurch.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after the incident on Saturday, October 6 at Ye Olde George Inn in Castle Street.

Entry was forced into the pub at around 7.30am and three charity boxes were taken.

The boxes were raising funds for Mind mental health charity, the RNLI and Macmillan Cancer Support.

After leaving the pub, the male offender is believed to have gone into the area of a Christchurch Priory, where he met up with a woman and threw the blue Mind charity box into the nearby river. The man and woman both then left the area on bicycles.

The man is described as white, of slim build and around 30 years old. He was wearing a dark jacket with a grey hooded top underneath, dark-coloured jeans and dark-coloured trainers with a light sole. He was riding a red mountain bike.

The woman is described as white, of slim build and also around 30 years old. She was wearing a dark-coloured jacket, blue jeans, a light-coloured baseball cap and dark-coloured boots. She had a white drawstring bag on her back and was riding a light-coloured bicycle.

PCJim Perks, of Christchurch police, said: “This was a despicable crime, taking money from charities that desperately need funds for the services they provide to members of the community.

“We are determined to identify who is responsible for this and are carrying out a number of enquiries.

“I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone who saw someone matching the descriptions given in the area around the time of the offence to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or on 101 quoting occurrence number 55180162106.