A man who stole a purse from a woman in a daylight street theft is at the centre of a police investigation.

The incident happened in Cauldwell Hall Road, between the Ringham Road and Upland Road junctions, in Ipswich at around 3pm on Tuesday.

A 45–year-old woman was approached from behind by a man who spoke to her before taking a black purse from her hand.

The offender fled the scene and was spotted running down Upland Road, a spokesman for Suffolk Police said.

According to police, the victim was not injured in the incident.

The offender is described as a white man, aged in his 30s, approximately 5ft 5ins tall, had a blonde ‘crew cut’ hairstyle.

He was wearing a black tracksuit, dark coloured trainers and carrying a sports bag with orange writing.

Witnesses are sought. Call police on 101 to help.