The incident was reported to police the following day and CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing.

Community Inspector Duncan Swan said: "This money was clearly destined for a well-known local charity which provides invaluable support, and it's hard to believe that someone would stoop so low as to target both the business and the good cause they are supporting.

"We are aware that social media images are in circulation in connection with this incident and would ask that anyone with information comes forward to police or via Crimestoppers and refrains from commenting on social media."

Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 19100166060 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.