POLICE have issued a plea for information after the handbag of a 75-year-old woman was stolen while she was shopping in Corringham.

The Essex force was contacted at around 11am on Tuesday, 11 February after the lady discovered her handbag had been stolen from a trolley at the Iceland supermarket in St John's Way, Corringham.

CCTV images of the incident (which has not been released), plus witnesses said the black shoulder bag, which contained a purse, cash and bank cards, was taken by a woman, described as white, aged in her late 30s to early 40s, of slim build and approximately 5ft 6ins and was wearing a black coat, black jogging bottoms, white trainers and a woolly hat.

A member of staff at the store said: "The lady left her bag in her trolley as she put it back the next customer walked in right behind her took the trolley with bag still inside then instead of flagging the customer down to return it, she did a lap of shop concealing the bag in her own and walked out before the poor lady had even realised her mistake.

"We have given all details to police who will follow up on our CCTV footage."

The victim's daughter, Sherry Courtney, says her mum was shaken up by the theft but is now recovering and the family have been heartened by the many messages of goodwill they have since received.

Police ask that anyone with information should contact officers at Grays police station on 101.