A PENSIONER'S purse was stolen from her handbag as she shopped at a Wirral supermarket.

Detectives have issued CCTV images of a man wanted in connection with the incident, that took place at Aldi Port Causeway in Bromborough on October 22.

The 81-year-old's cash and bank cards were taken, and following enquiries it was discovered the bank cards were then used in a number of transactions.

Inspector Bernard McHugh said: "We are very keen to speak to this man, as we believe he could have valuable information about this incident that would help our enquiries.

"We continue to ask the community to take sensible precautions when they are out and about - take extra care to zip handbags, purses and pockets, don't write down pin codes or keep them together with cash cards, and split up cash in different parts of your handbag.

"Members of the public should be alert when paying for items using their pin number and when withdrawing cash from ATMs at all times.

"Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately.

"Supermarket staff in the area have also been briefed to be extra vigilant, and I would also ask neighbours and family members to pass this advice on to elderly or vulnerable people."

If you recognise the man pictured, or have any information, contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100613465 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously