By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 10:29, Sunday, 03 March 2013

Do you recognise the men in this picture? These CCTV images have been released by Cumbria police as part of an investigation into the disappearance of a woman’s purse in Carlisle.

Police want to find the men at the checkout

One of the men, thought to be about 70, was caught on camera as he bent down to pick up the purse near to the checkouts at the London Road branch of Aldi.

He never handed it in to staff. The incident happened between 2pm and 2.30pm on January 7.

Police released the CCTV images as they issued an appeal in the hope of tracing the man who took the purse and the man with him.

The missing purse, which belonged to another shopper, contained a small amount of cash and an unspecified item of sentimental value.

Though it contained little cash, the victim had been upset that it had not been returned by the man.

The white-haired man who picked it up is approximately 70 and of medium build.

He was wearing a flat cap, wellington boots and a tweed jacket at the time.

With him at the time was with another man, also wearing a flat cap, who police hope may also be able to help them with their enquiries.

The two are seen packing groceries into carrier bags at the checkout before they left the store.

The CCTV footage shows the purse discarded on the floor near the store’s entrance before one of the two men picked it up as he walked towards the door and out of the store.

Anyone who recognises either of these men, or has any information about the incident, should contact Cumbria police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

First published at 10:20, Sunday, 03 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk