Footage of the moment that a St Neots pensioner’s purse was pocketed by another woman at Leeds railway station has been released by police.

The 69-year-old woman was walking along a platform at about 11.50am on Sunday, July 27, when her leather purse, which contained a three-figure sum of money and a number of cards, fell from the top of the suitcase she was pulling.

Officers from the British Transport Police are now hoping to trace the other woman, who can be seen in the CCTV, in connection with the incident.

Pc John Severns, the investigating officer, said: “It is believed a woman close by picked the purse up and appears to look around before placing it in her own bag.

“A short while later the victim realised she had dropped it and began looking around the platform and asking other passengers if they had seen the purse.

“The woman who had been seen to pick up the purse was still in the area but didn’t identify herself or return the item. She then boarded the 12.08 Leeds to Blackpool service.

“The purse hasn’t been handed in since and we are now releasing this footage in the hope that someone may recognise the woman, who we believe will have key information about this incident.”

Police previously issued an appeal in early August, without success. They are now hoping that someone may recognise the woman, who they believe travelled to Blackpool, and come forward.

INFORMATION: Call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.