Hunt for thief who stole money box containing donations for Ukraine

The box was taken from Sawmill cafe in Stratford, east London (Pictures: Google/Metropolitan Police/PA)

Police are hunting a man suspected of stealing a collection box containing donations for Ukraine which was swiped from a London café. 

The box, thought to have contained around £100 intended for the crisis-hit country, was removed from Sawmill cafe in West Ham Lane, Stratford. 

During the incident shortly after midday on Thursday, a male suspect ran away from the location, chased by a member of staff, and was driven away in a car, Scotland Yard said. 

The Metropolitan Police has released an image of a man they are seeking in connection with the theft. 

For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live

Handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of a man wanted after a collection box containing donations for Ukraine was taken (Picture: PA)

The force said the man was seen by witnesses to place an object in a car and was photographed as he ran around to the other side of the vehicle. 

Anyone who knows the person in the image is asked to call 101 and quote reference 4698/05mar. 

Russia-Ukraine war: Everything you need to know

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is in its tenth day, with the attacks beginning on February 24.

Since then, Ukraine has suffered widespread damages and loss of life amid Russia's major bombing campaign.

More than 1.2million people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries, with the hopes that many more could escape today via the humanitarian corridors that opened today.

However, the evacuation was cancelled after Russian troops were accused of breaching ceasefire terms.

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• Will Ukraine join the EU?

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