A MAN had his Christmas fund snatched out of his hand.

He had been counting out the cash in Darenth Lane, South Ockendon, when a thief barged into him and grabbed it.

The victim, who is in his thirties, was left in a state of distress

Det Con Karen Berry, of Thurrock CID Target Team, said: “The victim walks with a stick and was knocked off balance by suspect. He has been left very upset by the theft. He had set aside the money to give him and his family a good Christmas. I am appealing for anyone who saw the incident or anyone who knows who did this to call me.”

The suspect was a white man wearing blue jeans and white Reebok trainers. He had a black padded coat with the hood up.

He ran off across Dilkes Park towards Fairham Avenue in Ockendon at about 9.20am on Thursday, December 16, 2010.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Con Berry on 0300 333 4444 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.