POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man officers would like to speak to after a pensioner had her handbag stolen outside BJs Bingo in Reading.

At around 11am on Monday, January 6, the victim, an 83-year-old woman, and her friend, were walking along Basingstoke Road towards the entrance of BJs Bingo when an unknown offender came up behind her and wrenched her handbag off her right arm.

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The offender then ran away towards Gilette Way and turned right towards the Morrisons shop.

The stolen property is a medium size black leather handbag, flap over with press stud, with an Elvis keyring on it.

Inside the handbag were two purses, a beige purse, and a dark blue purse with white vertical stripes.

Both purses contained cash and credit cards.

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Designated Investigator Emma Morgan, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anyone who has information that could assist with this investigation to get in touch.

"If you recognise the man in this CCTV image, or believe it could be you, please come forward.

“You can contact us using our online form or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43200005206.

“Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”