A CCTV image has been released featuring a man police would like to trace following a purse-dipping at a supermarket in Welwyn Garden City.

A 72-year-old woman from the town was shopping at Sainsbury’s in Church Road when, sometime between 12pm and 12.30pm on October 15, she was approached by a man who asked her to reach up for an item on a high shelf.

As she did so it is believed the crook took the woman’s purse out of her handbag.

He then fled with the purse, which contained cash and cards.

Police investigating the incident have released this image of a man who was in the supermarket around the time of the incident.

Pc Joe Clapham said: “We would like to speak to this man as he may have witnessed the incident or have information that is vital to our investigation.

“If this is you, or you believe you know this man, please get in touch with me by calling the non-emergency number 101 and quoting crime reference B1/12/2879. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”