Wirksworth woman's purse stolen after husband collapses

Police are hunting a thief who stole a woman's purse while she tried to get help for her dying husband.

The couple were in the Market Place, in Wirksworth, Derbyshire when he collapsed and she went to call an ambulance.

She returned to find passers-by had stopped to help but the purse was missing from bags she had left.

Officers said the theft happened early on 1 October but the 75-year-old had been too upset to report it until now.

Sentimental value

The husband, whose details have not been released, died later the same day.

PCSO Sue Lester, of Wirksworth Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This is a terrible crime and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward.

"Wirksworth Market Place was busy at the time with people travelling to work or visiting the local shop."

She added that the purse had great sentimental value.