POLICE investigating the theft of a purse and meat from Waitrose have issued CCTV images of the suspects.

The pictured woman is suspected of making off with meat in a 'Bag for Life', while police believe the man falsely claimed a purse from lost property.

At 2.35pm on Saturday 7 May 2016 a woman entered the Waitrose store in Bargates, Christchurch, and placed "a quantity of meat" into the long-life bag.

She walked into the café and it is believed she saw a member of public handing in a purse they had found. The woman was then seen to make a call on her mobile phone.

A man then entered the café and falsely claimed the purse belonged to his wife.

He left with the purse and the woman walked out of the café a short time later with the bag containing the meat.

The couple were then seen to walk to a cash machine on Fairmile Road and withdraw £755 pounds.

PC Paul Craig, of Christchurch police, said: “As part of my investigation I am now in a position to issue a CCTV image of the suspects and I would urge anyone who recognises them, to please contact Dorset Police.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting occurrence number 55160070127. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.