Thieves ruined Christmas for dozens of families by burgling a charity and stealing hoards of presents destined for needy children.
The gifts, donated by wellwishers, were taken on the eve of a Christmas party along with party food and food hampers for families living below the poverty line.
The break-in at Home-Start in Merton has left dozens of children, whose parents cannot afford to buy presents, going without.
The charity supports disadvantaged children, including those who are disabled and those who live in either single parent families and homes in which there is domestic abuse or mental illness.
Staff at Home-Start arrived at work on Wednesday and found windows has been smashed, 71 presents had been stolen along with £150 worth of party food and festive food hampers for parents.
Sharon Ashby, senior co-ordinator at the charity, said: “It makes you feel numb, you just feel sick.
"It is such a cruel thing to do. The whole team here give so much so that these families have a better life.
“There are some wicked people in this world.”
Hundreds of gifts had been wrapped up for 60 families attending the Christmas party. They were all put into bags for each family and those filled with the most gifts were taken.
Most were donated by Kings College School in Wimbledon, as well as some from the public.
So far, up to 11 new presents have been donated and several monetary donations have been made to the charity since news of the burglary broke.
Local councillor Miles Windsor, who is also a trustee of Home-Start Merton, said: “It is appalling and disgusting that at this time of year people can be so heartless and callous.
“It’s abhorrent that people would steal from needy children. I hope that if anyone has any information they will show humanity and report it to police.”
To donate go to virginmoneygiving.com and type in Home-Start Merton
