A TRESSPASSER was escorted from a Runcorn business's premises having secretly snatched a female worker's purse.

The man tried to use his victim's cash card at a Nat West bank in Widnes before the theft was discovered but was foiled when his attempted transaction aroused suspicion.

The theft happened between 1pm and 2pm last Monday at the Shachihata Uk Ltd warehouse in Ashville Way, Sutton Weaver.

The Japanese company manufactures and distributes stationery products such as permanent marker pens and ink stamps.

It has factories and offices in Japan, Hong Kong, America, Australia and Runcorn.

Anyone who recognises the suspected offender should call PC Alison Howarth at Runcorn police on 01244-613 989 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.