A 'DESPICABLE' thief stole cash from an epileptic woman as she suffered a seizure on the floor of Stourbridge's Ryemarket.

The 48-year-old woman was shopping in the market on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7, when she collapsed and began fitting violently.

Passers-by rushed to comfort the women and give first aid − but Dudley police believe one woman took advantage of the fallen shopper’s plight by reaching into her handbag and swiping £60 in cash.

Police have now released a CCTV image of the suspect who was seen to move the lady’s shopping trolley, before quickly leaving the market.

Detective Inspector Nigel Smith said: "It’s a truly despicable crime…the lady is clearly in great distress on the floor and, while most people’s immediate concern is for her wellbeing, one person sees it as an opportunity to steal from her.

"The lady’s seizure lasted for around 20 minutes but thankfully she made a full recovery − however, when looking into her handbag she realised her money had been taken.

"We’ve secured a CCTV image of a woman we need to speak to about the theft. She is one of around 12 people who were stood near the lady but is seen to quickly leave having put her hand on the shopping trolley.

"We’d urge anyone who believes they recognise the person in the CCTV to contact us."

The suspect is white, in her 30s or 40s, around 5ft 5ins,with long dark hair that was tied back in a ponytail.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call Dudley Police’s Acquisitive Crime Team at Brierley Hill police station on 101, quoting crime reference number 20DY/64626Q/15.