AN elderly woman's life was put at risk after a pick pocket lifted her purse containing vital medical information.

The thief took the purse out of her handbag outside of Tesco in Hazelmere, Pitsea

The 74-year-old woman, who has heart failure and has a pacemaker kept important medical cards which warned health professionals and the public of her condition.

Inside of her purse was also her bank cards, which were used six times within an hour of the theft.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to reports of a theft at the Tesco store in Hazelmere, Pitsea which took place between 2.15pm and 4.30pm.

"The victim, a woman in her 70s, had her purse stolen and bank cards inside were used."

The woman found that her debit card was used for three separate transactions at the supermarket in Pitsea and another three times at the Tesco in Heygate Avenue, Southend.

It has not been confirmed how much money was taken out by the thief.

She very quickly reported the incident to a security guard at the supermarket in Pitsea who attempted to help her at the scene.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We were really sorry to hear that a customer found her purse was missing at our Pitsea store.

"Our security guard assisted the customer at the time and we are always happy to help police with their inquiries.”

The East of England Ambulance Service released a warning to residents about the dangers of patients not possessing the information that could mean the difference between life and death.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said; “Sometimes patients carry important information on them that helps healthcare professionals identify conditions they may have.

"It’s important people carry these so the right care can be delivered when they need it.

"We’re very sorry to hear about this and hope she is reunited with her belongings soon.”

The purse and the woman's medical information has not yet been recovered following the theft on Thursday July 19.

Police are continuing to search for information.

If you have any information please call Essex Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/103297/18.

Alternatively, you can Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by filling out the online form on crimestoppers-uk.org.