A CHARITY tin raising money for veterans and serving soldiers was snatched from a Colchester shopping complex before nippy police officers arrested two young men.

Officers from Essex Police’s Town Centre Team engaged in a footrace after a Poppy Appeal collection was stolen from Red Lion Walk, near Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

With the help of surrounding CCTV footage, the bobbies on the beat eventually tracked down and arrest two juvenile males.

The fundraising tin, as well as any donations made up until the time of the theft, has been recovered and returned to the charity’s representatives.

A spokesman for Essex Police added: “The males remain in custody for questioning whilst the investigation continues.”