Food bank founder 'blown away' by response to 'gut-wrenching' theft

The founder of a food bank raided by thieves looking to profit from shortages in supermarkets says the losses were "absolutely gut-wrenching".

Janet Burns said she has no doubt that the men who smashed their way into the container belonging to the Knottingley Food Bank, in West Yorkshire, will be selling products aimed at the poorest in society in local pubs.

But Mrs Burns, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year's Honours for setting up the project, said she has already been overwhelmed by the generosity of those horrified by what has happened.

She said;

Mrs Burns said that the raiders, who struck in the early hours of Thursday morning, were spotted as they smashed their way into the project's container.

But they fled without anyone able to get a registration number.

She said they mainly took shampoo, shower gels and feminine hygiene products worth around £500 to £600.

Mrs Burns said:

I think they'll be selling them in the pubs. They will be able to sell them easily due to the panic buying."

Local MP Yvette Cooper said on Twitter: