GOOD Samaritans were left in shock after thieves struck in broad daylight while they were trying to save an injured bird.

Alan Payne and wife Susie were in Main Road, Dovercourt when they spotted a pigeon that was in trouble, which they believe may have been in shock from flying into a window.

“We got a box and put the pigeon inside,” said ex-cop Mr Payne, 79.

“The car was parked outside the library. We were putting the pigeon in the car. My head was inside the back door and my wife was bending down in the boot when a chap came across the road.

“He had been sitting in a car on the opposite side of the road and said a boy and a girl had just swiped my wife’s handbag.

“She had put it down by her feet but had her head in the boot and didn’t see anything.”

Alan and Susie, 80, couldn’t believe what had happened.

Mr Payne said: “You do a good turn by picking up an injured pigeon and then this happens.

“There were debit cards and a cheque book inside the bag, and a mobile phone and all sorts of personal bits and pieces, but less than £5 in money.

“There was also a brand new pair of spectacles which cost my wife £210.”

He added: “I want people to be on their guard and to show them what sort of people are out there."

The couple kept the pigeon for 24 hours before releasing him in their garden, where he flew away.

The theft happened just after 11am on Tuesday.

Anyone with information should contact Harwich police on 101.