AN ELDERLY woman had her handbag stolen while receiving treatment at Broomfield Hospital.

The patient in her 80s reported her bag had been taken on December 17 with it believed the item could have been stolen up to three days before.

Police are appealing for information after a three figure sum of money was withdrawn from a cash machine using a card from the handbag at the Tesco Express store in Broomfield Road on December 16.

A CCTV image has been released by officers of a woman they wish to speak with in relation to the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Pc Alan Nock at Chelmsford Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.