THREE men “armed with a crowbar” broke into a Southampton pub and stole funds for charity.

At 4.48am on Monday three men broke into the Kings Arms on Church Street in Shirley and stole money for a pancreatic cancer charity in memory of the landlady’s mum.

The men reportedly used a crowbar to enter the pub and stole a charity bottle containing hundreds of pounds.

Kristina Baldacchino, the landlady of the pub, has owned the Kings Arms with her partner Alan for more than 30 years.

Kristina’s mum, Jill, passed away suddenly in 2013 when she lost her battle to pancreatic cancer.

Her family set up a charity, Jill’s Army, to raise funds for those battling the disease.

Kristina said: “I heard something just before 4.55am, I thought I could hear someone breaking in.

“They had used a crowbar to get in.

“I checked the CCTV and my husband was already running down the stairs.”

Kristina and Alan were unable to stop the men from making away with the money and police were called to the address.

Now, officers investigating the incident are calling on members of the public to come forward with any information they may have.

Kristina added: “They only stole the bottle with all the money in it.

“My mum died of pancreatic cancer and we were raising money for her charity.

“All our customers have give 1,000 per cent to support us and to think these people can just come in and take it is [upsetting].”

Kristina said there was £200 to £300 in the bottle for Jill’s Army.

A police spokesperson said: “This took place between 4.48am and 5.05am.

“A charity bottle containing cash was taken.

“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44200098662 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”