THIEVES have broken into a Kidderminster charity shop causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

The Happy Staffie Rescue shop, in Worcester Street, was broken into in the early hours of Friday morning (May 19).

As well as stealing a charity collection box with donations inside from the till, the offenders have also caused around £350 worth of damage to the store.

Mark Hannaford, operations manager for the charity, said: "It is absolutely devastating and horrendous.

"It is heartbreaking.

"They have smashed the doors in to the shop - they smashed all the glass.

"They did not get into the till as we don't keep any money in there, but they ripped the collection box - which is secured to the till.

"They have caused around £350 worth of damage to the store. Friday is one of our busiest days trading and we had to close in order for the door to be repaired."

Mr Hannaford added: "Customers have been coming in to the store donating money to try and help pay for the damage.

"People have also been contacting us to say they have donated to us through our website too."

The store is open as normal now.

People took to the charity's Facebook page to send messages of support after the incident, and to donate to help pay for the damage caused to the shop.

Alison Townsend said: "That's awful, I really hope they catch those responsible."

Angela Doughty added: "How awful. Hope they catch the idiots who are responsible for the damage."

A West Mercia Police said: "It is thought entry was forced to the premises sometime between 1.10am and 1.30am this morning with a window and door understood to have been damaged.

"A charity box is believed to have been taken.

"Enquiries are currently ongoing but officers are keen to speak to people who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the incident."

Anyone who would like to donate money to Happy Staffie Rescue, can visit happystaffierescue.org.uk.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident reference number 117S of May 19.