AN appeal has been issued for information after a thief stole an elderly woman’s handbag.

The victim, in her seventies, walking towards the seafront on Liftstan Way, Southend, just before a bridge at about 1.30pm on March 2.

A woman ran up behind her and snatched her white bag, containing a small amount of money, bank cards and documents, before running off.

A member of the public chased the suspect but the thief escaped.

The suspect is described as a white female, slim, with short dark hair.

She wore a dark top and possibly light coloured jeans.

Anyone who witnessed the theft is asked to contact PC Robert Chapman at Southend Police Station on non-emergency number 101.