POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 93-year-old woman’s purse was stolen from her handbag while she was shopping. The victim, who uses a walking stick, was in the M&Co store in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, last Friday morning (August 15). She was unaware that someone was unzipping her bag and removing her purse. The theft happened between 11.05am and 11.15am although it is believed that the suspect may have been loitering in the area for a while looking for a vulnerable target. Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to call PC Ian Choake, of Chester-le-Street police, on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.