A thief has been branded a "scumbag" after stealing a poppy appeal collection box from a fish and chip shop in Old Coulsdon.

Police today released an image of a man wanted in connection to the theft, from Danny's in Coulsdon Road at around 4pm on November 8. 

Danny Tefvik, owner of the shop, said the box was "full to the brim" of donations to the Royal British Legion when taken. 

He said: "The scumbag ran in and ran out and before we could get there he was gone. 

"It was full to the brim. I'm not one to judge, but if you're a thief go and nick something out of Tesco or something. This is just low, especially with the 100 years.

"There is never a right time to steal from charity, but this is just the wrong time. It is the lowest of the low. 

"I have been collecting for the poppies for 25 years and I have never chained it down. Obviously I am going to now."

Mr Tefvik said the box usually held about about £80 to £100, but that he had received floods of donations totalling more than £300 since customers heard about the theft.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 163978.