A handbag has been snatched in a supermarket car park while an elderly couple were loading their shopping into their car.

The incident happened in Morrisons on the Water Glade Retail Park in Clacton at around 4pm on Tuesday.

The couple were loading their bags into the boot of their silver Toyota Corrina, which was parked at the back of the car park.

The woman placed her handbag on the front seat before returning to the boot to help her husband finish up.

She left the door open to cool the car and returned within a minute to find that someone had stolen the bag.

Investigating Officer, Pc Nikki Heath, said: “This theft happened within a matter of seconds which is why this couple did not see anyone nor did they realise such a crime could be carried out so easily and out of their sight.

“We’re hoping that someone did see this person steal the handbag.

“This couple, especially the woman whose handbag was stolen, have been left distraught by this theft and have had to go through the hassle of cancelling bank cards.”

The black canvas-style bag contained various cash cards, a wallet, a purse, a mobile telephone and cash.

Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officers at Clacton’s Neighbourhood’s Crime Team on 101.