Detectives are hunting a thief who stole a charity box from the Port Royal Esso gas station in Southampton.

The intruder broke into the premises at about 1.20am on Wednesday and fled the scene on a dark coloured motorbike.

A Police spokesman said: “It appears that around 1.20am Wednesday, a lone intruder — described as a dark complexioned male wearing white and black shoes, black pants, a blue shirt and a black helmet — gained entry into the premises and stole an undisclosed amount of cash in a charity container before fleeing on a dark coloured motorcycle, apparently heading east on Middle Road.”

Inquiries into the burglary continue and witnesses or anyone with relevant information should contact the Criminal Investigation Department on 295-0011.