A woman claiming to be pregnant is believed to be behind a theft from an amusement arcade.

Officers investigating the theft from Shoppers Pride Amusements in New Road, Gravesend, have released a CCTV image of a woman they would like to speak to after a purse went missing.

The alleged incident took place on November 11, at about 5.40pm.

A woman approached staff and asked to use the toilet, claiming she was pregnant. She was directed to the customer toilet but after she left, she returned and said she had left her purse in there.

When a member of staff pointed out she was holding a purse, the woman became agitated and said it was the phone from her purse that was missing.

She was seen to go into the men’s toilets before leaving, claiming she had found her phone.

A member of staff later realised her own purse was missing from her handbag, which had been in the staff room. Damage was later found to the staff room door and CCTV footage showed the female trying to barge into the door.

The offender is described as being in her early 20s or very late teens. She was white with long black hair, and wore a black zip up jacket with a grey cardigan, a black and white horizontal striped top and black trousers. She is believed to have had a piercing above her top lip.

Anybody who recognises the woman or who has information that could assist officers is asked to call 01474 366226, quoting crime reference XY/036542/13. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.