Police are appealing for information after a thief snatched over £500 in cash from a woman’s purse.

The incident happened in Panfield Lane, Braintree, at about 4.50pm on Thursday afternoon.

The victim, a 30-year-old woman, was walking along the road when she was approached from behind by a male who snatched her purse from her right hand.

The man then ran off with various store cards and a black leather purse, as well as the cash.

A police spokesman said: “Any members of the public who may have seen anything suspicious can call Essex Police on 101 and quote crime number CF0330320412.”