AN investigation has been launched after hundreds of pounds worth of items were put in a trolley before a shopper left a supermarket without paying for them.

Essex Police officers are looking into an incident which took place at about 12pm on Sunday April 7 at Morrisons, in Iconfield Park, Parkeston.

According to the force, goods valued at about £400 were placed in a trolley before a person left the store without paying for them. 

However, they are said to have been stopped by witnesses and staff before they could leave the area. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The goods were thankfully recovered a short time later and our enquiries are ongoing.”

The Essex Police spokesman added: “We would appeal for any witnesses, or anyone who may have relevant doorbell or dashcam footage, to come forward.”

Members of the public can submit a report on the police website by using the online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am and 9pm.

Alternatively, call 101 and quote crime reference number 42/55248/24.

To make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.