A GRIEVING widow has had her purse stolen.

Sometime between 9.30am and 10am on Sunday May 10 her purse was taken from the car park near Tesco Express at Bentalls Shopping Centre in Colchester Road, Heybridge.

The woman had dropped her bag and her shopping outside the shop before someone came to her aid.

By the time she had noticed the purse was missing - containing cash and cards worth about £40 - and managed to cancel the cards about £100 had already been taken from one of her cards.

The good samaritan who stopped to help is not being treated as a suspect.

Christine Walker, of Maldon police, said: “It is a sad one and she was very shocked. She had recently lost her husband as well as being ill. “She cancelled all her credit cards but someone had tried to use one already.

“She does not suspect the man who helped her but it has affected her quite deeply.”

Maldon police have issued advice to try and prevent others from becoming a victim of purse dipping and also have bells and chains for purses available at the police station.

A spokesman said: “Never let your handbag out of your sight. Carry it in front of you especially if you are walking through a shop or town centre.

“Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and if your purse or wallet is in a bag ensure the bag is securely zipped up. Keep your purse or wallet safe at all times. Theft can happen very quickly and you may not notice you’ve been a victim until you next have to make a purchase.”

Any witnesses are asked to contact Essex police on 0300 333 4444. Alternatively call Crimestoppers om 0800 555 111.