A charity store, which was set up in the memory of a deceased soldier, has been ransacked by theives.

Dennis Mason, who opened the store nearly two years ago in memory of his late son, said how has been "ripped apart" by a burglary in which the front door was taken off its hinges and lots of expensive equipment was stolen.

Mr Mason said: "I am really upset - it hurts so much.

"We are a non-profit charity here; this store is run by volunteers and nobody gets a wage."

I set up this shop in memory of my son. Why would somebody steal from a charity store?

"I am gutted, this has ripped me apart."

The shop's alarm was set off at 4:30am and Mr Mason was alerted to it by a resident living across the road.

When he went down to the store he found the door was off it's hinges and a number of expensive items had been stolen, including BB guns, helmets and a few clothes.

They then took off in a stolen car.

This is not the first time the store has had fallen victim to thievery, a mannequin was stolen from outside the store only a month ago.

The store, which is run as part of the Lance Corporal Nicky Mason Memorial Fund, raises funds for several different charities, including UK Homes 4 Heroes and Essex Air Ambulance.

It is located in High Street in Aveley.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police received reports of a burglary at a charity shop in High Street, Aveley, at around 4.50am today (Thursday, October 19).

"Officers received calls that suspects had forced entry to the property and carried out a messy search. They then stole a vehicle before driving off. 

"Police have attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information is asked to call Grays police station on 101 quoting incident 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."