A DISPUTE broke out in Marlow Bottom on Tuesday when two vans collecting charity parcels clashed.

Residents in Cedar Drive had put out bags to be taken by the National Blind Children's Society.

However, there were reports two different vans were seen collecting them – one was yellow and unmarked and the other was white, with the charity's logo on the side.

A Cedar Drive resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I was upstairs when I saw the yellow van come down the road and I thought it was a delivery.

“Then he suddenly stopped because the charity van had pulled in front of him. A young girl got out of the charity van and asked him to open the doors. She took a photograph and he pushed her out of the way, he was very threatening.

“I stared out watching in disbelief.

“Several people were trying to get out and they couldn't because the charity van had blocked the road.

“People give in good faith and this is not what you would expect..”

Phil Geller, spokesman for I and G Cohen Limited, authorised collectors for the National Blind Children's Society, said: “Our vans are marked and we have a registered number and helpline so the public know what we are doing.”

He urged residents to check the credentials of any charity collectors they were unsure of, and to carefully read any leaflets sent to houses.

Marlow Bottom community correspondent Mike Williams said: “This is the second week running that Marlow Bottom has experienced disquiet about donated clothing collections.

“Last week the legitimate collector was the Salvation Army and another company was allegedly taking bags left out for them.”

Police say they are investigating complaints that two collecting vans had clashed.