A CCTV image of a suspect has been released after scratchcards were stolen from two Tesco stores in Dorset.

On October 25, a woman entered the Tesco store in Stour Park, Blandford, and selected a few items before making her way to the till.

While at the till, she asked shop assistant for a quantity of scratchcards and attempted to pay for the goods, but her bank card was declined.

She then told the shop assistant that she would get another card from her car, but before leaving concealed the scratchcards in her bag. She never returned to the store.

Police say a similar theft occurred on November 8 at the Tesco Extra on Riverside Avenue in Bournemouth and believe both incidents are linked to the same suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police quoting occurrence number 55180173031.