A SAFE full of cash was stolen from a busy Hampshire museum packed with visitors.

Thieves walked out with the large grey safe and cash tins, containing £1,000, while families were wandering around Fort Nelson near Fareham.

Police said the Royal Armouries museum was busy with visitors last Sunday, when the thieves struck.

However a museum spokesman stressed the theft was from offices in a non-public part of the museum.

The empty safe and tins were found discarded at Newlands Farm, Fareham, on Wednesday.

PC Stephen Way said: "It was a busy Sunday at the monument so there were a lot of visitors and possible witnesses to the theft.

"The safe was heavy and cumbersome and it would have taken at least two people to carry it. We are appealing for anyone who thinks they might have seen anything suspicious in the area late on Sunday morning or early in the afternoon."

Anyone with information should call PC Way at Bishop's Waltham Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.