A 91-YEAR-OLD woman has spoken of her shock after her purse was stolen in a busy supermarket.

The woman, who does not want to be named, said she was shopping at Asda in Tilbury when she realised someone had taken her purse from her handbag.

The woman, who is a great-great aunt said: “I was looking in the flower section, deciding which ones to buy to put on my parents’ graves, to mark the anniversary of their deaths, and the next minute I realised my purse had been taken.

“I can’t think I left the trolley unattended, but it only takes seconds for this to happen.

“I am still living with the shock of it and I am cross. But I will not let this stop me going to Asda and other places and being independent.”

When she realised what had happened the woman said she went straight to customer services where staff were “marvellous”.

The woman, from Grays, added: “I cannot complain at all about the staff or the police. They all did a good job.”

Laura Anderson, a spokesman for Essex Police said: “The purse which was taken contained £50 and debit cards, and was taken between 11am and 11.15am on Friday, June 11.

“This must have been very upsetting for the victim and will cause her the hassle of sorting out her cards and belongings.”

Witnesses should call Tilbury police station on 0300 3334444.