Charity shop volunteers have condemned a thief who stole £270 in cancer research money.

The man, aged around 18, walked into the Cancer Research Shop in Bank Street, Braintree, before grabbing cash out of a storeroom and running away.

There were two staff members and one customer in the shop at the time.

Assistant manager Lynn Frewin-Ungless had taken the day's takings to a back storeroom before returning to the shop floor to put the float in a till.

When she went back to the storeroom a young man was holding the security door open for her.

She then went straight back to the takings, only to find the cash - which was to go towards breast cancer research - had disappeared.

She said: "I remember seeing a young man acting suspiciously by the men's clothing section. And I felt even more unsure when he held the storeroom door open for me. I thought the door had locked behind me when I returned to the shop.

"When I discovered the money was missing I ran outside but was unable to find him. I was in such a temper and I was angry because how could anyone do that to a charity shop?"

Manager Ann Howell added: "I think this is absolutely disgusting.

"This is the lowest of the low and I just hope the thief and his family never have any need for cancer treatment. This is a real coward's way of stealing money."

After Friday's incident volunteers have been asked to be extra vigilant and to check the storeroom door is properly shut.

Braintree police described the man as white, aged around 18, about 5ft 10ins tall, with short dark hair hair and a spotty complexion. He was wearing a French navy jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Braintree police on 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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