POPPY appeal supporters have condemned a thief who targeted collection tins as “the lowest of the low”.

The tins, containing about £100, were taken from the Asda supermarket and Millins butchers, both in Church Road, Tiptree.

Sue Allen-Shepherd, local Royal British Legion appeal organiser said the 35 volunteers who help with collections ahead of Remembrance Sunday had been bitterly disappointed to hear of the theft.

She added “Whoever the thieves are, they should be truly ashamed of themselves to take money which goes to help people who have served their country."

See Tuesday's Gazette for more.