A HEARTLESS thief stole a handbag from a 91-year-old woman at a Hampshire supermarket.

Police have released a CCTV image of a woman they want to speak to after the wheelchair user was targeted.

The thief struck between 1.50pm and 2pm on Monday at Morrisons Supermarket on Station Road, New Milton.

The elderly woman's bag contained £170 in cash, Lloyds bank cards and sentimental items including family photos.

Police said she was shopping in the store and using a four wheeled walker which doubles as a wheelchair.

Her handbag was in the seat compartment of her chair as she browsed the store.

When she leaned to take an item from the freezer, she heard the compartment slam and turned to see a woman walking off in a hurry.

The victim then saw her bag was missing.

The woman police want to speak to is described as white, in her 20s, tall and with dark hair which she wore up. She was wearing sunglasses, a white cardigan type top over a blue/green summer dress and flip-flops. She was carrying a large black bag.

PC Jason Andrews, said: “I am appealing for information to help me find the person responsible for this despicable theft from an elderly and vulnerable woman who was simply trying to do her shopping.

“The store and town were busy at the time of the incident so it is possible that someone would have seen what happened or seen the offender in the area at the time. I am appealing to any potential witnesses to make contact with me.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who knows or recognises the woman in the CCTV. Do you know who she is?

“As always, I would remind shoppers to ensure they are vigilant and aware of people around them. Do not leave personal belongings unattended whilst shopping.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Andrews at Lyndhrust police station by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.