POLICE are appealing for help to trace a heartless thief who stole a charity box from the reception of a Bournemouth hotel.

They have released a CCTV image of someone they would like to speak to about the incident, which took place at the Travelodge in Christchurch Road just before 7pm on Monday October 16.

The charity box belonged to the British Heart Foundation and had been fixed to the bar by a ribbon.

The offender is not believed to have been a guest at the hotel.

The man police would like to speak to is described as white, of slim build and was wearing a black coat with a fur trim hood, black cap with a white logo on it, dark trousers and dark shoes. He also carried a light-coloured over the shoulder bag.

Police Constable Karen Thompson, of Bournemouth police, said: "As part of my investigation into this incident I am in a position to issue a CCTV image. I appreciate the quality of the image is poor but I am still hoping that someone may recognise him and the clothing he is wearing."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.