AN off-duty paramedic had her purse stolen as she stopped to help someone taken ill in a supermarket.

Police are looking for a woman of about 70-year-old following the shocking theft from Asda on Brompton Road in Northallerton.

At about 4pm on Monday, August 6, an off-duty paramedic was shopping in the store when she came across someone in the store who had fallen ill.

As she was helping the person into an ambulance, her purse, containing cash, cash cards and her car keys, was taken from her basket, which she had put down to tend to the sick person.

North Yorkshire Police would now like to speak to a woman captured by CCTV cameras, who left the store shortly after, as she may hold information that would assist the investigation.

The woman is described as approximately 70-years-old, tall with a slim build, dark hair which was up in a ponytail and she was wearing a white top. She was carrying a number of carrier bags from various stores and was seen to leave the store and cross the car park, heading in the direction of Brompton Road.

Anyone who recognises the woman is asked to dial 101, select option 2 and ask to speak to Alex Bilby. You can also email Alex.Bilby@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk – please quote reference 12180145161.

If you do not want to speak to police, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on their website by clicking here.