BURGLARS stole meat and charity boxes from a butchers shop in Purbeck last night.

The thieves forced their way into RJ Blake Butchers in Dorchester Road, Wool, at some point between 6pm on Sunday and 7.25am this morning.

Aside from meat, they took charity boxes belonging to Help for Heroes, the Sea Scouts and the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB).

Dorset Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Police Constable Paul Holman, of Purbeck police, urged residents to be on the alert for meat being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:45. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.