This is the moment a thief cuts the wire to the Julia's House Christmas lights before making off with as many as he can carry.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the theft, from the front garden of Julia’s House children’s hospice  on Tuesday evening.

The discovery was made by care staff arriving at the hospice on Wednesday.

But now after a public outcry over the incident, a JustGiving page has been set-up, with more than £2,000 raised overnight to buy new lights.

Set-up by Stephen Mullins, the message on the page reads: “The hospice have had their outside Christmas decorations stolen. These were more than decorations; they were a source of interest to the children as well. 

“We as a community can ensure that these are replaced and the faith of the children is restored, from bad can come good. 

“What's left after new lights are sorted can go towards a bit extra Christmas cheer and help continue their amazing work.”

A message on the hospice's Facebook page last night said: “Wow, we are utterly overwhelmed by the incredible kindness of our supporters. 

“Thank you for all the wonderful messages - and offers of Christmas lights! Unfortunately we cannot accept ordinary household Christmas lights as they are for a HUGE tree at the entrance to our hospice plus the thieves have taken all the cabling and the junction box needed to light them. 

“Apologies because we know how much you are trying to help.” 

The charity said they were “very happy to accept kind thoughts or a small donation via our website juliashouse.org/donate”.

The lights had been set-up for the enjoyment of the poorly children attending sessions this week and staying over this weekend.

The incident was captured by CCTV which shows two men pulling up outside the hospice on Springdale Road, Corfe Mullen, in a white van at around 9pm.

The passenger entered the garden, slashed the wires leading from a junction box and stole the box, rendering the carefully arranged lights useless.

They also took some lights on stakes which were illuminating the entrance to the hospice and had been donated by one of the charity's supporters.

Emma Shepherd, lead nurse at the hospice, said: “We are all so shocked that someone could steal from a children's hospice.

“We have children attending a session tomorrow and several children staying this weekend and they will now miss out. Many of our children have sensory challenges or difficulties with their sight, but they can all see and enjoy lights.”

Police Constable Garry Weston, of Ferndown police, said: “We know that a small light-coloured car or delivery van pulled up outside the hospice and a man got out of the passenger seat and walked toward the grounds of Julia’s House.

“The van left the scene and the offender was seen to walk into the grounds of Julia’s house before leaving carrying the lights.

“This was a despicable crime on a hospice which offers day and respite care for children with life limiting illnesses.

“I urge anyone who saw the incident or has any information about those responsible to contact Dorset Police in confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 10:63. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.