A DESPICABLE conman is being hunted after pocketing money he collected in aid of the tsunami appeal.

The man was carrying out door-to-door collections in the King Street area of Cwm at around 5pm on Monday and 2.45pm on Tuesday.

Police say they do not know how much money was donated to the man and have appealed to anyone who may have donated to contact them.

Oxfam, which has been involved in disaster relief following the tsunami, today described the con as 'atrocious'.

The man claimed to be representing a local garage which has launched a genuine appeal to help the victims of the disaster. When a suspicious resident asked police to check on the legitimacy of the man, they found the Central Garage in Blaina, more commonly known as Legge's, had not asked anyone to go out collecting for them.

The manager of the garage, Dawn Legge, said: "Nobody has been asked to go out and collect for our appeal.

"If this person can use a tragedy to con people then it is appalling. What I wish on that person I couldn't say."

Cwm councillor Des Davies said: "I'm absolutely disgusted that somebody could stoop to such a level with such a disaster.

"The quicker this person is caught the better because there cannot be much good in them."

Richard Jones from Oxfam, one of many charities who are contributing heavily to the aid effort, said: "With so many people making donations it is atrocious that an individual like this is benefiting from the misery of thousands if not millions of people."

He said anyone thinking of making a donation should do it through the official Disaster Emergency Committee Appeal or at a High Street bank or post office.

PC Mike Smith, crime and disorder reduction officer for Ebbw Vale police station, said: "We've all seen the images on television and pictures in newspapers of the heartache that has been caused by the tsunami and it is terrible to think that someone has taken advantage of the situation for their own gain.

"It is absolutely despicable."

The suspect is described as being between 18 - 20, 5ft 3ins, and was wearing a black jacket.

He was carrying a bucket covered in wrapping paper.

Anyone with information is urged to ring PC Smith on 01495 350999.