A VAN belonging to the Red Cross has been stolen by thieves on its way to pick up stock for the charity’s Haiti earthquake appeal.

The vehicle was stolen in Southwark and driven off in the direction of New Cross or Brockley.

It happened at around 10.15am yesterday (Jan 25) when the van’s driver, on his way back from the Lewisham High Street branch, was distracted by a man accusing him of running over a cat.

As the driver got out to investigate in St Mary’s Road, Nunhead, another man leapt into the van and drove it away.

The van, which was empty at the time, is described as a white Ford transit van with British Red Cross displayed on both sides and the registration KD06 EVY.

It was the only Red Cross van covering the London area and is crucially needed to collect stock.

Director of fundraising Mark Astarita said: “This is a very sad thing to happen and now the appeal may miss out on hundreds of pounds which would have gone to help those people struggling to cope following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.”

Detective Inspector Simon Day, of Southwark CID, said: "This was obviously a well planned scam, and I would advise other drivers to be vigilant"

Anyone with information should call Southwark police on 020 7232 7212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

For more information on the appeal visit redcross.org.uk