Thieves have stolen more than Christmas presents which were meant to be given out to children during a Santa sleigh run in a village.

The presents were taken from a car parked in Essex Road, in Halling, and were due to be handed out during the festive Santa sleigh run which is organised by the village’s school each year.

The callous crime happened at some point overnight on Wednesday when the car was broken into. It was one of several cars reportedly targeted that night.

Devastated villagers say more than 30 presents intended for little ones were taken and now many parents and members of the Halling Primary School PTA group are appealing for gift donations to help replace the stolen ones so youngsters don’t miss out.

The Santa sleigh run has been organised by the PTA for a number of years and is due to be staged in the village on Friday, December 23.

Parents have to fill in a form before the event requesting their child be visited and then the big man himself will stop at their home and hand over a Christmas present to each excited child.

"We don't know how these scumbags can sleep at night" - Nicole Basson Polwarth

The sad news quickly spread on the Simply Halling group on Facebook and within hours community spirit prevailed and parents started posting they would be doing their best to get the children more gifts.

Kimberly Jay wrote: “Due to the sad event that happened with sleigh run presents being taken I think we should all pull together so that the children don’t miss out."

Nicole Basson Polwarth added: "We are so upset to tell you that the contents of the car that was broken into contained presents for the sleigh run that were collected.

“We are in the process of working out which presents were stolen and will be in contact with those who are affected.

“There were over 30 children’s presents stolen so if anyone has seen or heard anything please could they contact us or the police.

“We are absolutely devastated that this has happened involving something that the community comes together for and enjoys so much.

“We don’t know how these scumbags can sleep at night.”

Anyone wishing to make a gift donation is asked to drop their present off at the primary school in Howlsmere Close.

The matter is being investigated by police.

If you have any information call 101 quoting crime reference number XY/049204/16.