A THIEF stole a purse from a customer who was shopping in a Halstead Co-op.

They took the purse which was left unattended at the till at the shop in Abels Road.

A spokesperson for the East of England Co-op said: “I can confirm we received a report of a stolen purse at our Parkfields’ Food Store last Wednesday, July 13.

"Information has been passed to the police for investigation.”

It happened at about 8am.

Anyone with information should contact Braintree Police on 101.