Police in Newquay are appealing for witnesses after a 77 year old local woman had her purse stolen whilst she was in church.

The theft happened at about 11.00 a.m. on Sunday, February 25 whilst the victim was in St Michael's Church in the town.

A man sat next to her before taking her purse from her bag. Her bag was found outside the church a short time later but a small amount of money had been stolen from it.

The suspect that police are looking for is described as being a white man, aged 35 to 40 and of thin build. He has a pale complexion, was about 5ft 9 to s ft 10 inches tall and had untidy ginger hair pulled back at the sides.

He was wearing a blue jacket and it is thought he has blue dots tattooed on the back of his right hand.

Anyone who can identify this man for help detect this crime is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference GN/07/393