A Witham dad has spoke of his disgust after he spotted heartless thieves raiding donations destined to help the terminally ill.

Les Coates, 45, of Humber Road, Witham, saw elderly people take items from bags left outside a Farleigh Hospice shop, based in Newland Street, on Sunday.

He confronted one woman who became abusive.

Cheryl Bunkle, for Farleigh Hospice, said she was “disappointed” that people had taken donations and urged residents to hand items directly to shop staff.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.