A WOMAN had her purse stolen while she was caring for her sick child in hospital.

The victim was in the children's accident and emergency department at Colchester General Hospital, in Turner Road, when her purse was taken from her bag.

The incident happened at around 2pm on Thursday, January 12.

A spokesman for Colchester General Hospital said: "Someone reported to us a purse having gone missing in the paediatric section of the children's A&E department.

"We did an extensive search but were unable to locate it.

"The incident was also reported to police."

Anyone with information contact Essex Police on 101.