POLICE are warning shoppers to be alert after two incidents at an out-of-town shopping centre.

One woman had her purse stolen from her car and another saw her handbag go missing.

Both incidents happened at the Arnison Centre, near Durham City, on Wednesday, October 26.

Police say they are keeping an open mind on whether the two are linked.

The first took place shortly before noon, when a woman was putting Marks and Spencer shopping and her handbag on the back seat of her car.

While a man described as eastern European in appearance asked her directions, a second - of similar appearance - moved out of sight.

After driving home to Newton Hall, the woman discovered her purse had been taken from her handbag. It contained £50 cash and various cards. Her Samsung mobile phone was also missing.

The thieves used her bank card to withdraw £100 in Chester-le-Street. They also unsuccessfully tried to withdraw cash in Scotland.

Police say the men may be part of a gang which could be visiting shopping centres to target unwary shoppers.

The same day, a woman’s handbag went missing while shopping at the Arnison Centre.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call PC Katherine Ward at Durham Police on 0345-60-60-365.