A CALLOUS thief stole a bag from a young mother as she ran after her daughter who had wandered off.

The 19-year-old mother was walking with her toddler in St Luke’s Avenue, Ramsgate, on Thursday morning. Her bag was hanging on the buggy she was pushing.

When the child wandered away, the woman ran after her, leaving the buggy. When she returned she found the large flowery bag was missing. It contained just over £100 in cash and baby equipment.

The mother didn’t see the thief so police are asking for witnesses. A spokeswoman said: “The theft occurred between St Luke’s Church and the café, and there are a number of roads leading off that area. If anyone saw anything at all, could they please contact us."