The names and photos of two people believed to have stolen poppy appeal collection tins on Remembrance Day have been released.

Lulia and Liviu Ghitoi, thought to be from Barking, are suspected of taking the British Legion tins from three food stores in Hockley and Rochford in Essex on November 11 .

The tins contained around �200 to �250 in total.

The pair, aged 31 and 22, are also wanted in connection with a mobile phone theft from a shop in Witham in September.

Essex Police urging those with information about their whereabouts to get in touch.

Investigating officer DS Rob Kirby said: “This appeal would include friends and family of the suspects themselves.

“[We would like them] to search their conscience and help us bring to justice the people responsible for this despicable offence where money donated to help war heroes was stolen on the very day dedicated to respecting their memory.”

Peter Woods, owner of Costcutter in Hockley, one of the shops targeted, said he was “sickened” by the thefts.

He added: “We have since had an anonymous person give us a donation of �50 towards what was stolen and I have donated a further �100 myself to cover the amount we believe was stolen from our box.”

Anyone with information should contact the Rayleigh Area Investigation Team on 101.