Lancaster Police are appealing for the public’s help to reunite a woman with her purse containg the photograph of her toddler son who has passed away, after it was stolen from a till point at a shop in Lancaster last week.

The 44-year-old victim was out shopping at Farm Foods, Lancaster on Wednesday 8th February around 9.45am when she has accidently left her black leather style wallet on the counter.

The woman returned within minutes to find the wallet, which contained a picture of her late son, aged two, who died 10 years ago, had been taken.

“Despite a police investigation and through search of the area the wallet has yet to be found,” said PC Lindsay Arnott. “The victim is most saddened by the loss of the picture as it has huge sentimental value.

“I would appeal to anybody that has knowledge of the incident or knows anything about the possible whereabouts of the wallet and picture to come forward and contact police.”

In addition to the photograph, the wallet also contained around £100 cash, banks cards, driving license and TV licence.

• Anyone with any information should call Lancashire Police on 101 quoting crime reference BA1200442.