Thief steals 90-year-old woman's handbag as she prays in church

 
Police want to trace this man caught on CCTV
Asher McShane26 February 2015
WEST END FINAL

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Police are hunting for a callous thief who stole a 90-year-old woman's handbag as she prayed in church.

The woman was at an Ash Wednesday service at St Nicholas' Church in Hounslow last week when she approached the altar, leaving her handbag on the ground.

When she returned to her pew, she found the bag was gone.

The victim and other members of the congregation searched the immediate area around the church and found the woman's belongings emptied onto the street but her cash was gone.

The suspect was seen leaving the church clutching the woman's handbag

The suspect was caught on CCTV entering the church and sitting at the back, before taking the victim’s bag and leaving.

The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 30-years of age and 6ft tall. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and was carrying a bag.

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to call the police on 101, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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