AN elderly woman had more than £3,000 cleared from her bank account after her purse was stolen in a supermarket.

Police have released a CCTV of a suspect they wish to speak to about the theft.

The incident happened at around 2pm on Friday, September 12 when the pensioner was shopping in Morrisons, Brooke Street, Chorley.

It is believed that a man approached the woman and took her purse from her handbag.

Subsequently more than £3,000 was taken from the victim’s account with the use of one of her debit cards, which had been inside the purse.

The man is described as white, aged 35-40, of a large build with dark shaven hair with a receding hair line.

The male has a distinctive tattoo on his right forearm and it is thought that he may have connections to the Middleton and Oldham areas of Manchester. PC Ian Lightfoot of Chorley police said: “I am keen to speak to the man shown in the photograph and I would urge anyone who may recognise him to get in touch, as he may be able to help us with our inquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact Chorley police on 101 or 01257 246 296 quoting CA1409184, or email ianlightfoot@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.