GENEROUS customers of a Witney newsagent’s shop have dug deep to replace many times over money destined for victims of the Pakistan floods that was stolen.

A charity jar containing about £100 was taken from the counter at Newslink, in Corn Street, Witney, on Saturday, August 7.

But after news of the crime spread more than £750 flooded into a new collecting tin.

Shop owners Tahir and Shahida Akram have matched the donations and sent nephew Fahad Qureshi to Pakistan with the money to buy emergency provisions for those in need.

Mrs Akram moved to England 23 years ago from her home town in Pakistan, Abbottabad, where most of her family still lives.

The area is among many across Pakistan that have been affected by the floods.

She said: “Thank you to the people who have supported us. They have done a lot. It was really nice of them.

“We have raised £750 and my husband said that whatever we make, we will double.”

Mr Akram, 45, whose family also originates from Pakistan, said they suspected that the thief was a man wearing a hooded top, pictured in a CCTV image, and that he had an accomplice with him, who distracted shop staff by buying cigarettes.

No arrests have been made. Anyone with information should call Pc Laura Pagan on 08458 505505.