POLICE investigating after an intruder stole a handbag from a new mum as she held her baby have issued CCTV images of a man they want to trace.

The police probe into the “brazen” crime dates back two months to when a crook struck during a burglary at a property on Leigh Road, Leigh.

A man sneaked inside via a rear door and stole the mum’s handbag. 

The victim, who was holding her baby at the time, disturbed the offender and challenged him.

But he continued to steal the handbag before fleeing the scene.

Neither the mum nor her baby were injured but the victim was left “shocked and appalled”.

PC Swindlehurst, of Greater Manchester Police’s Wigan district, said: “This was brazen behaviour – to be confronted by a new mum, holding her young baby, and persist with a burglary demonstrates a lack of respect and morals. I dread to think what could have happened if the victim didn’t have the courage to shout for help.

“We’d like to identify the man in the CCTV as we believe he can assist us with our enquiries.

“I appeal directly to him or anyone who knows him to contact us or Crimestoppers. I would like to use this opportunity to ask anyone else with information which might be of use to us to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police via 12568@gmp.police.uk quoting reference number 9388/20 or the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The crime happened at about 3.30pm on Sunday, April 26. No arrests have been made.