Police have issued CCTV images after a theft at a Wimborne hotel.

The incident, in which two purses were taken, happened at approximately 9.40pm on Friday 1 August at the Kings Head Hotel in the Square.

A man entered the hotel through the pub and continued to enter a private staff room.

A member of staff noticed the man’s presence and asked him why he was there before he left through the fire exit at the back of the building. Two purses were then found to be missing from the bags of two members of staff.

Police Constable Adam Aggas, of East Dorset police, said: “I am now able to release an image of the suspect.

“I am pleased that following this incident the hotel has acted swiftly in improving security around the building to prevent further thefts.

“I am now keen to speak with anyone who recognises the man in the picture. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.”

The suspect is described as white, six feet tall, of heavy build and clean shaven with very short cropped greying hair. He is approximately 50 years old and was wearing an untucked lilac coloured polo shirt, blue jeans and dark blue trainers with white soles.