AN elderly woman had her purse stolen, with £150 inside, while shopping in a supermarket at Gillingham.

The 80-year-old was at the Waitrose store, Chantry Fields, Gillingham, when the purse was snatched from her handbag.

Police have now released CCTV footage of two suspects they are eager to speak to in connection with the theft.

Police community support investigator Millie Vaughan, of North Dorset Police, said: "There have been a number of similar incidents in the North Dorset area recently and we are determined to identify those responsible.

"I would urge members of the public to make sure they keep their handbags, wallets and purses on their person and secure and do not leave them in shopping trolleys or baskets."

Investigators believe the victim was watched by a man and a women while in the store.

When she arrived at the till to pay for food items, she realised her purse had been taken from her handbag.

The purse contained £150 in cash and her debit card. The purse was later found in a nearby recycling bin and, while the debit card was still inside, the cash was not.

Ms Vaughan said: "We have made a number of enquiries into this incident and have obtained CCTV images of both of the suspects.

"I would urge anyone with information as to their identity to contact us."

The theft took place on July 18 around 10am.