A WOMAN has been left heartbroken after her purse, which contained a treasured family heirloom, was stolen.

The victim was working at the Farmfoods store on Festival Walk, Spennymoor, yesterday (Wednesday, February 18) when the theft occurred.

A man entered the staff area of the shop shortly after 2pm and took a purse from the woman’s handbag.

In it was a charm that had been handed down through the woman’s family and was given to her by her late mother.

It is said to be of great sentimental value and is the item the victim is most concerned about recovering.

Following the theft the culprit left the store and walked down Festival Walk, across the bottom of Cheapside and alongside The Grand Electric Hall pub.

He was wearing a black beanie style hat, a khaki coloured jacket with patches on the arms and a pair of blue tracksuit bottoms.

He was carrying a green plastic bag and aged about 30 to 40-years-old.

A CCTV image of the suspect has been released.

Anyone with information is asked to call Spennymoor police on 101, quoting ref number DHM-18022015-0227.