A WOMAN who had her handbag stolen from her car is begging the thief to return it because it contained images of her late mother on her death bed.

The bag was snatched from the victim’s Toyota car in front of B&Q in Tottenham Hale Retail Park in Broad Lane at around 12.45pm on Saturday, December 3.

The woman, who was returning a trolley when the theft occurred, said the incident has left her “emotionally drained”. An iPhone belonging to her late mother was in the bag.

She said in a statement: "It has recorded the last year of her life, including pictures of our last trip, her on the death bed, as well as her voice and final thoughts she wrote when she was spending her last days in the hospice.

"Losing precious photos at a time of deep grief has been really, really difficult.

“I have begged the suspect to return my mother's phone but he has chosen to ignore the voice messages I have left on the phone since it was taken.

"He took something that meant a lot for me. His behaviour is having a huge impact on me. I have been left upset and emotionally drained and would appeal for anyone who has information concerning this individual's identifty to speak with police."

The woman traced the phone’s location to Hackney before it was switched off.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Police have issued a CCTV image taken in the area of a man they wish to speak with in connection with the theft.

The man is described as being of Turkish or Arab heritage and is approximately 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing a hat and dark clothes at the time of the incident.

PC Hannah Woodfield, the investigating officer from Tottenham Green Ward SNT, said: "I am appealing to anyone who recognizes this man to contact me, and similarly appealing to anyone who thinks they are the person in the image to get in touch."

Witnesses or anyone with any information about the man are urged to contact PC Woodfield on 0208 345 0715, or via 101. Alternatively you can tweet @MetCC or @MPSTottGreen.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.