Warning issued following handbag snatch in Telford

The warning comes after a woman had her handbag snatched as she played with her toddler son by Middle Pool in Trench Lock.

The woman decided to take her son for a walk in his pushchair at around 6pm on Friday. As they approached the pool she took her son out of the pushchair and put her handbag in the seat of the buggy.

As she played with her son a man on a pushbike rode past and snatched the bag before riding off.

Police are investigating and want to hear from anyone with information.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "The suspect rode past then when he spotted the bag in the seat of the pushchair he turned around and rode past again before snatching the handbag and making off towards the tunnel.

"The bag contained a Blackberry phone, a set of keys and around £35 cash.

"The suspect is described as a white male, of slim build and around 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing a dark black cap with a peak and a black coat. His pushbike was red in colour.

"Anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the bag should contact Telford Police."

The spokeswoman added: "We would like to remind people to be vigilant and to be aware that unfortunately opportunist thieves do operate within our society. Please always make sure that your personal belongings are safe and secure and out of reach from potential opportunist thieves."

Telford Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.