Totnes police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a Poppy Appeal collection box from a newsagent.

A man entered Bridgetown Stores around 3pm on Saturday, November 10 and took the Royal British Legion box from the counter after distracting the cashier.

Police are now appealing for information about the theft and asking anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV picture to contact them.

The suspect is described as around 5ft 10ins tall with dark hair and he was wearing a grey tracksuit with three black stripes on the sleeves.

PC Douglas McCance, based at Totnes, said: “Any theft is distressing but theft from charities only adds to this and can be very emotive.

“The Poppy Appeal is a well known and well supported charity and this incident has been upsetting for those involved. We are very keen to identify the male captured on the CCTV and we would welcome any information that will help our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference JS/12/1204.