POLICE are keen to identify this person in connection with the theft of a handbag in Marks & Spencer.

The theft occurred at the Station Road branch, in New Milton, at around 3pm on Monday (January 22).

The victim, a woman in her 80s, had placed her handbag in her trolley when she entered the shop, but noticed it was missing when she came to pay.

A mobile phone, £20 in cash, bank cards, a driving licence, glasses and identity and memberships cards were among items taken.

The bag is described as navy in colour, made from grain-effect leather, with a navy interior lining and three zips – one on the top and two on either side.

“We believe the woman in this image can help us with our investigation and would urge her, or anyone who knows her identity, to get in touch with us,” a Hampshire Police spokesperson said.

Officers want to identify this person. Picture: Hampshire Police

“Please also contact us if you have located a discarded bag, similar to the one described above, or any of its contents.

“Also, if you have information about this incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.”

Anyone who can help should contact police on 101, or online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, quoting incident number 44240031719. They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.