A RUCKSACK containing charity cash has been snatched from a woman during a robbery.

The woman, who is in her 20s, was walking along Thorney Bay Road, Canvey, between noon and 12.30pm.

She had a rucksack on her back which contained charity money for Marie Curie, a charity which provides help and support for people living with any terminal illness and their families.

The suspects are two teenage boys, who escaped in the direction of Long Road.

They were both white and are described as being aged between 18 to 20.

One was wearing a black coat, jeans and trainers and the other wore a tracksuit.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We don’t have a record of how much money was stolen.

“The suspects approached the victim from behind and grabbed her rucksack which had the collection tin inside and then ran off.”

Canvey Island Independent Party councillor Barry Campagna condemned the attack.

He said: “A young girl took time out to raise money for a good charity and it is a shame two people have done this to her.

“It is not something that happens every day – it is a fairly unusual occurrence.

“I of course condemn their actions and would urge anyone with information to get in touch with the police.”

It happened on March 12.

Witnesses should call PC Christian Forbes at Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers.

Shockingly, this is not the first time the charity, which has a shop on the island, has been targeted by criminals.

Earlier this month, cunning crooks stole a box of charity daffodil brooches which they then tried to sell door-to-door to pocket the money.