A 90-year-old woman from Essex has been left “very distressed” after her handbag containing £1,000 and an item of “hugely important” sentimental value was stolen.

The victim had left her bag on the hook of a cubicle door in the public toilets on Rosemary Road, Clacton, when the theft took place at around 12 noon on Monday, October 27.

The black leather handbag contained £1,000 in cash and the victim’s RAF service card from the Second World War, which is said to have been of great sentimental value.

Investigating officer Pc Chris Allwood said: “This crime has left the elderly victim very distressed.

“Not only has she lost a large sum of money but the RAF service card, which she’s had for 65 years, was hugely important to her.”

Anybody who saw any suspicious people in the area are asked to contact Pc Chris Allwood at Clacton CID on Essex Police 101. Alternatively they can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.