A total of £150 was taken from a stolen purse before it was discarded into a nearby recycling bin.

The purse belonged to a woman aged in her 80s who was shopping at the Waitrose store at Chantry Fields in Gillingham.

It is believed a man and woman watched the victim whilst she was in the middle of doing her shopping before stealing her purse.

Police have released CCTV images of the suspects.

Last month the Echo reported how a similar incident occurred in which an elderly woman’s purse was taken from her handbag at the same store.

On this occasion, the victim realised her purse was missing from her handbag when she arrived at the customer till.

Her purse had contained approximately £150 in cash and her debit card.

The victim’s purse was later located in a nearby recycling bin following enquiries by officers but the £150 cash was missing. The debit card was still in the purse and there was no attempt to use it.

Police Community Support Investigator Millie Vaughan, of North Dorset police, said: “We have made a number of enquiries into this incident and have obtained CCTV images of both of the suspects.

“I would urge anyone with information as to their identity to contact us.

“There have been a number of similar incidents in the North Dorset area recently and we are determined to identify those responsible.

“I would urge members of the public to make sure they keep their handbags, wallets and purses on their person and secure and do not leave them in shopping trolleys or baskets.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190110721. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.