POLICE have released CCTV of two women as part of a supermarket theft probe.

Officers want to identify the women after an incident at Iceland in Bitterne Road Precinct, Southampton.

It involved the theft of a purse from a shopper, who was looking into a freezer when she felt someone make contact with her.

When she turned around her purse had been taken from her changing bag.

As well as cash and bank cards, the purse contained silver heart earrings and a gold band ring, inset with red and white stones.

The victim, 31, challenged two females.

They then ran out of the store.

Police are now probing the incident, which took place on Wednesday, March 14.

They have described one of the females as in her thirties, wearing fake tan and around 5ft 3in in height.

She has long black hair and a scar above her lip.

She was wearing a pink hooded top with white trousers and a green coat and a Louis Vuitton bag.

The second female is described as white, around 16 to 20 years of age and around 5ft 6ins tall.

She had pocked marked skin, mousey brown hair and described as of 'slimmer build than the first woman'.

She was wearing a grey jacket and socks with flip flops.

PC Helen Haines said: “We’re keen to hear from anyone in the store that day who saw what happened, or who recognises the women in the CCTV images.

“The victim is most upset about losing the ring, as it had a lot of sentimental value, having belonged to her late grandmother.

“If you have been offered a ring for sale recently that matches the description given, please get in touch.”

If you have any information relating to this case, call 101 quoting reference '44180096193', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.