Mean-spirited is how a police officer has described thieves who stole a Poppy Appeal box from a community centre.

It was taken from Phoenix House in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, between 3.30pm on Friday, November 28 and Sunday, November 30 however, details of the theft have only just been released.

It is not known how much was inside the pot, which was on the information desk in the hallway.

Town PCSO Daniel Rudden said: “This was a particularly mean-spirited crime and we are keen to track down whoever is responsible.

“The Poppy Appeal funds the welfare of servicemen and women, veterans and their families, and to steal from them is a despicable thing to do.”

Sara Seabridge, manager of Phoenix House, said: “We believe it was taken during the Christmas fair, which was held in the centre on November 29.

“It’s awful that someone could do this to such a good cause. We’re gutted. It was pretty full. We don’t understand why someone would do this to a charity.”

It comes less than four weeks after thieves stole £100 of money raised for the same appeal by staff and pupils at Hartlip Primary.

The cash was in a safe, along with £200 towards forthcoming trips, taken from the school office after a 4x4 vehicle smashed through a wall leaving a hole described as the size of an ATM machine.

But the school went on to raise more than £900 following the break-in, which happened overnight November 5-6, thanks to anonymous donations.

A veteran from the Royal British Legion’s Sittingbourne and Milton Regis branch is set to present pupils with a certificate for their efforts to replace the money during a special assembly tomorrow .

Anyone with information is asked to call Mr Rudden on 07528 989277.