POLICE have released an image of a man they want to speak to after a thief targeted a woman driver.

A man blocked the woman into a parking space by parking very close to the passenger side of her car.

He got out of his car, opened the passenger door of the woman’s car and asked: “Am I in your way?”

He then stole the woman’s handbag which was on the seat, before getting into his car and driving off.

Police want to trace the man in the images in connection with the incident at a supermarket car park in Trinity Street in Bolton town centre on November 1 at 6.30pm.

The Bolton News: APPEAL: Police want to speak to this man in connection with a car park robberyAPPEAL: Police want to speak to this man in connection with a car park robbery

Detective Constable Stuart Round, of Bolton CID, said: “This was a disgusting crime where a mum was sitting with her two children after finishing her weekly shop.

“This man had the audacity to act as though he was apologising for blocking her in the parking space but stole her handbag and drove off."

“I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man in the photo, or anyone who has any information, to please get in touch.”

It happened while the victim was in her car with her two children and was trying to reverse out of a parking space. The man is described as stocky with scruffy, blonde hair.  

Officers managed to trace the mobile phone that was in the woman’s handbag to the Red 2 Black Snooker Hall in nearby Coe Street.

Staff at the snooker venue told the officers a different man had been there later the same day and had tried to sell the phone.

DC Round added: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man in the photo at the snooker hall, or anyone who has any information, to please get in touch.” Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.