Police have released photos of a woman they are trying to trace after a 32-year-old's bag was stolen while she suffered an epileptic seizure.

Nicola Kennedy was waiting to catch a bus in Canterbury when she "zoned out" - before coming back around only to realise her possessions had been swiped.

The heartless thief, who also rummaged through Miss Kennedy's handbag, ran off with an £80 Cath Kidston cabin bag containing an iPad and clothes.

Miss Kennedy, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of nine and also has learning difficulties, is desperate to get back the iPad she bought with money left to her by her late grandmother.

The Iceland worker, who lives in Selsted between Canterbury and Folkestone, was about to head home from the city's bus station on October 14 when the incident happened.

"I was queueing up and everything seemed normal," she said.

"But I have spontaneous seizures where I kind of zone out and glare into space.

Nicola Kennedy speaks to KMTV about her ordeal

"I had one while waiting to get on the bus and didn't notice people were stealing from me.

"No members of the public helped or chased the people down.

"I looked down and was searching in my handbag in a panic - that's when I noticed I had been mugged.

"It makes me feel sick. They completely took advantage of my state.

"How can someone sleep at night knowing they have done such a horrible thing?"

Miss Kennedy says the ordeal has made her more wary when out-and-about.

"What hurts the most is my main priorities like my iPad and case have gone," she said.

"My iPad is what I use most in day-to-day life by selling stuff, looking at the news and and my photos.

"I only earn a little bit of money working two days a week and I worked hard to earn enough to buy the case.

"To think some thug is using pliers to unlock it is very sad."

Police investigating the incident have now released CCTV images of a woman who "may have important information on the theft".

Anyone with information is urged to call the appeal line on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/197954/19, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111 or by completing an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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