POLICE have launched a search for the person who stolen a purse containing hundreds of pounds in cash from a convenience store.

The burgundy purse containing over £200 in cash was taken after it was left near the checkout at McColl's in Station Road, New Milton, at around 10.30am on Saturday.

Police have now released a CCTV image of a person they would like to speak to as part of their investigation.

The person was described as white, between 40 and 60 years old, with two-tone grey, shoulder length hair which is dark at the rear with a lighter streak at the front. The person was of very skinny build and was wearing a dark blue t-shirt with a picture of two whales on the front.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting reference '44170320888', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.