A THIEF who targeted a frail 81-year-old woman has proved he has a heart after all.

The young offender contacted his victim by telephone to apologise after stealing her purse containing just £2 in broad daylight.

He told her: "I am very, very sorry for what I have done. I have never done anything like that before."

And he said he had considered buying her a bunch of flowers after reading about what he had done in the Daily Echo.

He told his victim he was unable to deliver the flowers to her home because he was afraid he would be seen.

But PC Glenn Batt of Dorset Police said the call has restored the woman's faith in human nature. "She has taken it in a positive way.

She is now trying to put it behind her.

"He told her he had never done anything like this before. When the lady asked what he had done with her purse he apologised for throwing it away. It was a young voice."

Police have issued a description of the offender who is white, about 14 to 15 years-old with brown short hair.

PC Batt said: "He had a slight built and wasn't very tall. It is thought that he was wearing tan-coloured trousers.

"The caller sounded genuine. From what he said it seems he has a guilty conscience. In 11 years I have never known this sort of thing to happen before and I can't imagine it was a hoax call. His victim was quite touched by the gesture. She is a real character and in good spirits."

The woman, who walks with the aid of a stick, was walking in Belle Vue Road, Southbourne at 3.30pm on Sunday April 21 when she was approached from behind by a male cyclist.

He stole her tan leather purse which contained just £2 in cash, a door key, a library card and a supermarket reward card.

Details of the victim's address and telephone number were inside the purse and were used by the offender to make contact.

Police are still keen to hear from a female motorist who followed the offender along Tuckton Road and Carbery Avenue before he turned right into Seafield Avenue.

She returned to the scene to help the victim but, so far, has made no contact with police.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Batt on 01202 552099 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.