A 90-year-old man has spoken of his "trauma" after his wallet stolen whilst he was shopping in Halstead.

Eric Mayes, of Ronald Road, went to the smaller check-out in Sainsbury's, in High Street, Halstead, with four items he wanted to buy from the store and the money ready to pay for it in his hand.

However, when he went to put the change back in his purse, he realised it was missing.

"I don't know if maybe I accidentally put it down somewhere, and someone smart picked it up," he said.

"When I realised, it put me in a bad position.

"It really upset me and I got a bit bothered while I was in the shop.

"My son had to pick me up in the end, and there was a lovely lady in the supermarket who sat with me.

"It has caused me a lot of trauma I could have done without."

Mr Mayes had withdrawn money from the bank earlier that day and feared that it had all been taken.

However, later that day a police car pulled up and two policemen knocked on his door.

Mr Mayes was thrilled to discover that a man being chased by police had dropped his purse as he had fled.

All the money was still in the purse "It was lucky I had my bus pass in my purse," he said.

"It had my name and address on it so the police were able to find me.

"I was very relieved I must admit, but I wish it had never happened."

The incident happened on April 18 at about 9.30am.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.

Two men are currently on police bail until May 16 in relation to the theft.