A charity shop in Wanstead is appealing for help after goods worth around £5,000 were stolen.

The British Heart Foundation store in the High Street was burgled at around 3am on Tuesday.

It is believed thieves broke in through the back of the shop.

Staff said the burglary had caused a "stock crisis".

It now urgently needs donations of items such clothing, handbags, shoes, books, DVDs, CDs and bric-a-brac to continue its vital fund-raising.

Area Manager, Lou Harbour said: “We absolutely rely on the support of the Wanstead community to keep us running and without their vital donations we risk reducing the care and support available to heart patients across the country. 

“If each household were willing to spend just half an hour having a clear out and donating to the Wanstead Shop it would make a big difference.”