DETECTIVES have released CCTV footage of a man wanted in connection with the theft of a handbag from a fast food restaurant in Birkenhead.

At around 9.45am on Monday, February 12, a man approached a woman who was sitting alone having breakfast at McDonald's in Grange Road, Birkenhead.

He reportedly snatched her handbag and then ran out of the restaurant.

The CCTV footage shows man wanted for questioning by police in connection with the incident.

Inspector Bernard McHugh said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack, targeting a vulnerable person, who was simply enjoying her breakfast.

"The victim, a 39-year-old woman, has been left extremely distressed by the event and would like nothing more than her handbag to be returned and the offender brought to justice.

"We're currently looking into the incident, which was caught on the restaurants CCTV and are keen to speak to the man pictured or anyone that was also in the restaurant or in the area at the time."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 quoting reference 18200035581 you can call or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information