A CROOK swiped a new mum’s handbag as she carried her baby from Basildon Hospital’s maternity unit.

The 30-year-old woman is devastated, as the bag contained her diamond engagement ring.

The woman was leaving the hospital, in Nethermayne, Basildon, to return home after giving birth, when the incident happened.

She carried her bundle of joy to a car waiting outside the unit where, with the help of a midwife, she was strapping the tot into a baby seat, when the crook struck.

The new mum, who had her hands full with the infant, had left her handbag on a table near to the entrance doors inside the unit, which gave the thief the chance to take it.

Minutes later, the victim, from South Ockendon, went back to get the bag and realised it had gone.

The black DKNY handbag contained a DKNY purse, the ring, hoop earrings, a gold necklace and £260 .

In total, the theft has left the new mum £1,000 out of pocket.

Police investigating the theft have now released CCTV images of a blonde woman they are looking to trace.

Acting Sgt Simon Gray of Basildon police said: “This was an absolutely despicable crime.

“This mum had her hands full trying to put her new-born baby into the car safely when this callous thief swiped her handbag.

“It contained items of significant value, not least of which was her engagement ring, the loss of which must have left her absolutely devastated.

“The stress of crimes like this is something everyone can do without, especially a new mum caring for her child.

“The images we have of this woman are particularly clear and therefore we are hoping someone will recognise her.

“If do you know this woman, then do the right thing and tell us who she is so we can arrest her and bring her to justice.”

The woman police want to trace was wearing a three-quarter length cardigan.

Witnesses to the incident, which happened at 5pm on Friday, June 5, can contact officers at Basildon police station on 0300 3334444.