A plucky pensioner has written an open letter to the “hearltess” thieves who stole her pension money and a priceless photo of her late father.

Judy Bayes, 64, of Braintree, was shopping in Tesco, Market Place, when she noticed her purse, which was attached to her handbag by a chain, was missing.

She said: “I am just so angry and hurt at these people. I don’t know how they sleep at night. How would they feel if somebody did it to them?

“I would like to think this might prick their conscience but in reality they probably aren’t going to be bothered.”

Mrs Bayes said she had just withdrawn £60 from a cash machine, making a total of £100 in her purse plus an irreplaceable picture of her late father.

See this week's Times for full story.