BURGLARS have stolen between £500 and £1,000 raised by pub regulars for the tsunami appeal.

The thieves broke into the King Johns Tavern, in Hartlepool, and ran off with a bucket overflowing with £10 and £20 notes.

Some angry and upset regulars have replaced their original donations so that their money still goes to the right place.

Chris Judson, duty manager, said staff had left notices around the pub and in windows explaining to the pub-goers what had happened.

He said staff had been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who had often given everything they had in their pocket during the New Year's Eve celebrations.

He said: "Whoever stole this money is the scum of the earth.

"They can have no conscience at all. We've had people coming in very angry and some people have actually been genuinely upset.

"Some people have even said 'I gave a tenner last time, here's another one.'

"We're raising a few more quid but, of course, it won't be the same amount as last time. You just don't think anyone could do that."

All money raised, including £140 taken on New Year's Day, is now being banked at the end of each day.

Police believe two burglars broke into the pub in South Road at about 3am on New Year's Day.

Two men were seen running from the tavern at about that time. Security camera footage is being examined.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 302126.

Meanwhile, reports of bogus charity websites set up in the wake of the Indian Ocean earthquake are being investigated.

Scotland Yard said it was probing a number of sites over allegations of fraud.

It warned anyone trying to cheat the public out of money meant to help the victims of the disasters would be dealt with in the strongest terms.

The Met reassured the public that donating money via the Internet using a registered website was safe, and it was "vitally important" people were not put off.

* Millions of people across the UK and Europe are expected to observe a three-minute silence at noon today in remembrance of those killed in the Asian tsunami disaster.