POLICE have described the theft of a charity donation box from a stall run by a seven-year-old girl as “heartbreaking”.

Edith Brannan set up a cake and produce stall in the front garden of her home in Malton at the start of the coronavirus lockdown to raise funds for Ryedale Special Families (RSF).

The stand has been well-used by elderly residents living nearby.

However, on Sunday afternoon the stall was ransacked and cash, along with about 60 items of food stolen.

Edith’s mum, Sally, said: “Edith is very upset. I can understand if they needed food but they left a box of really nice bread and home baking thrown all over and took the cake box and donations.

“Neighbours have been great helping her to restock the stall, but at moment she isn’t keen she is worried they will comeback.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Sometime between 3pm and 5.30pm on Sunday, June 28, money and items of food were stolen from a stand on the driveway of a house in Birch Avenue, Malton.

“Thieves took the contents of a charity donation box and about 60 items of food.

“This is an appalling, callous theft, and must be heart-breaking for all those in Malton who have shown such community spirit over the last few months.

“If you are aware of who is responsible, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number NYP-28062020-0410.”