Police are hunting a thief who stole a woman's handbag from her St Ives home, right in front of her eyes, then left through the front door.

Officers are now looking for the 'brazen' man who walked into the woman's Ayr Lane home at around 7.30pm on Monday, March 27, as well as a possible accomplice.

The bag was left in a nearby street but a purse containing cards and a small amount of cash had been taken.

PC Aaron Heath, based at Penzance, said: “This was a brazen and unusual act which caused considerable alarm to the homeowner. I am keen to hear from anyone who can help identify the man responsible.”

The suspect is described as white, aged in his early 30s and around 5ft 10ins tall. He had short dark combed over hair and was wearing a dark round necked jumper.

It is believed he was with a second man who was waiting outside and they left together in the direction of Bellair Terrace.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the men or any suspicious activity in the area at the time of the burglary.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101@dc.police.uk or on 101, quoting crime reference CR/022786/17.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-org.uk