POLICE are trying to trace a woman in connection with the theft of a purse from a High Street shop.

A 73-year-old woman was shopping in Savers Health and Beauty, in Southend, at about 2.10pm on Wednesday when a woman went up to her shopping trolley and took her purse, containing cash and bank cards, from her bag.

Anyone who thinks they know the woman pictured is asked to call PC Chris Flynn at Southend Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.