THIEVES who stole charity cash in memory of a 17-month-old baby who died of cancer have been branded “the lowest of the low.”

Intruders who broke into Tattoo Heaven in New Chapel Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, at around 2.30am on Saturday, prised open a charity box containing notes and coins destined for the hospital which treated Poppy-Mai Barnard.

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The little Blackburn girl, who lived with her family in Thetford, Norfolk, captured thousands of hearts after she contracted a rare and terminal cancer in February and died in May.

Disgusted owners James Monnery, 35, and Peter Brennan, 51, arrived at their upstairs business to find the premises “like a bomb had been dropped”.

Mr Monnery said: “A window and door had been smashed and the cupboards had been opened and contents thrown on the floor.

“We didn’t think anything had been taken but then we found the charity box had been broken and all the cash was done.

“It was very upsetting, we’ve been collecting for Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge as that’s where Poppy-Mai was treated.

“We’ve recently had a certificate from them for raising £700 and the box had been filling up with notes and coins from customers and friends.

“I don’t know exactly how much was in there because it was sealed but it could have been between £50 and £100.

“The box was chained to the wall but they’ve managed to break it open.”

The pair spent the morning clearing up as detectives undertook forensic tests on the charity box and the rest of the premises.

The business was able to open later on Saturday.

Poppy-Mai’s father, Andy Barnard, said he was ‘angry and distressed’ following the theft.

He said: “James and Peter are friends of mine and both myself and my wife Sammi have had work done by them.

“They’ve been great in helping the hospital which helped Poppy-Mai so much so for this do happen is awful.

“They’re two people trying to run a small business and I’m glad they were able to open up on Saturday.

“I hope the culprits get caught. I’m pretty sure the people of Blackburn and Mill Hill especially will be keeping their ears to the ground.”

Julia Mullen, who lives above newsagents’ business, Mullen’s news, next door to Tattoo Heaven, raised the alarm.

She said: “I was woken at about 2.30am. I think it must have been when they broke through the door.

“I rang the police and they were here within a couple of minutes.

“There were three vans, officers at the front and back of the premise and one policeman with a dog.

“Unfortunately whoever had broken in had got away.

“I think it’s disgusting, that money was in memory of a baby who lost her life, they are the lowest of the low.”

The tattoo business is above The Sunshine Lounge tanning salon, run by Amanda McKay.

She said: “There’s been a spate of break ins and attempted break ins on New Chapel Street businesses.

“Those who run businesses here are very tight knit and look out for each other and the people here are good people.

“It’s just a tiny minority who spoil things. To take that charity money just disgusts me.”

A police spokesman confirmed officers are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting crime number ED1610180.