POLICE are hunting a thief who stole a handbag in a Hampshire village.

A 62-year-old woman had her bag stolen while she visited the optometrist in The Square, Wickham, near Fareham.

The thief entered a staff area unnoticed and took the bag which contained cash, bank cards and items of sentimental value.

PC Jonathan Newman, from Bishop’s Waltham police station, said: “This incident has left the victim, a 62-year-old woman, feeling very upset and shaken-up.

“It is incredibly rare for something like this to happen in Wickham and I would like to hear from anyone who remembers seeing someone acting suspiciously during the afternoon of Thursday, March 20.”

The incident took place between 2.30pm and 3pm. Anyone with information should contact PC Newman on 101.