Kilkenny gardai in TV appeal to identify thief who stole purse from woman's trolley

Gardai are seeking help from members of the public in identifying and locating a man who stole a woman's purse from a busy store in Kilkenny city.

CCTV footage of the incident, which happened last September, featured on the Crimecall programme which was broadcast on RTÉ One television on Monday night.

Making the appeal, Gardai Greg Freegrove said after entering the store, the suspect can be seen following the victim around the shop for some time.

"Then, while the victim is distracted, the suspect moves to the trolley and after a slight hesitation he is seen lifting the victim's purse and walking away," he stated.

"He walks down the aisle and leaves the shop but the purse contained a sum of money, a driver's licence and bank cards," he added.

The suspect is described as being in his mid-40s and around 5'10" in height. He was wearing a navy baseball cap, a navy rain jacket, a grey T-shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone who may be able to assist gardai are asked to come forward.