A great grandmother has spoken of her shock after her purse, which contained a lock of her dead husband's hair, was stolen from a Tesco store.

Eastern Daily Press: Police want to speak to this woman in relation to the purse theftPicture: Norfolk policePolice want to speak to this woman in relation to the purse theftPicture: Norfolk police (Image: Archant)

Maureen Benson's purse was taken between 1.30pm and 1.45pm on Tuesday, June 5 as the 74-year-old shopped at the Tesco Express on Yarmouth Road in Caister.

As well as containing a lock of her husband's hair the purse also contained £110 in cash.

Her bank cards were then used at a cashpoint at the store to withdraw £400.

The couple had been married for 46 years until his death four years ago at the age of 69.

Eastern Daily Press: Police want to speak to this woman in relation to the purse theftPicture: Norfolk policePolice want to speak to this woman in relation to the purse theftPicture: Norfolk police (Image: Archant)

Mrs Benson, a mother of six, said: 'I had my husband's lock of hair as a memento and it was very precious to me.

'I will never get it back I think. It has gone.

'I could not believe it when I realised my purse had gone. The staff in the store were so helpful in trying to look for it.

'It happened over two weeks ago now and I still get tearful thinking about it as I know I will never get it back. It can't be replaced, can it?'

Eastern Daily Press: Caister Tesco store.Picture: Nick ButcherCaister Tesco store.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Mrs Benson has now bought a purse with a strap that she will wear around her front.

Investigating officer, PC Elle Cantillon, said: 'This theft has had a massive impact on the victim as the purse not only contained cash, there was also a lock of hair from her late husband.

'I am keen to see the victim reunited with her purse and would urge anyone who may have any information about the theft, or the whereabouts of the purse, to contact police.'

To help with the investigation Great Yarmouth police have released CCTV images of a woman they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Anyone who may recognise her or have further information should contact PC Cantillon at Great Yarmouth Police Station on 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have any information on the woman in the CCTV images.