A shameless thief swiped a charity tin from a Whitstable bar as an employee's back was turned.

The conniving crook struck up a conversation with the manager of Rock Lodge in Oxford Street after ordering a glass of water.

But as soon as the worker's attention was diverted, the thief swiped the collection pot - which contained more than £100 - and disappeared.

CCTV images of the suspect have been shared hundreds of times on social media but he has not yet been caught.

Rock Lodge owner Aaron Neil, 25, said: "The collection pot was rammed right to the rim, so you couldn't really fit any more money in it.

"It's just such a shame - there must have been over £100 inside."

Money in the tin was destined for Tree Tops Animal Rescue - a Whitstable-based charity which aims to rescue and rehome creatures of all sizes.

It was taken - along with a tips jar - at about 5.45pm on Sunday.

"The man came in and sat at the bar and ordered a glass of water, and said he was waiting for his girlfriend to come in," explained Mr Neil.

"He was chatting to my manager Andy, who was polishing cutlery, for about 15 minutes. He was saying 'I used to do some extreme sports, like dirt biking'.

"They were getting on really well, and then all of a sudden Andy went to take the cutlery to the back of the restaurant.

"As soon as he came back to the bar a gentleman said 'he's just taken your charity box'.

"Andy raced out onto the street and ran after him, but the guy was already way up the road ahead of him."

On Monday morning the two empty pots were found, having been thrown over a fence into a nearby garden.

"He just took anything he could," said Mr Neil.

"It's unbelievable. We're not bothered about the tips jar. It's just the fact that this money has been taken from a charity."

Police are investigating the theft.

Anyone who witnessed it or has information should call 01843 222289, quoting ZY/015165/18.