A HANDBAG was stolen from the doorway of a Flackwell Heath home whilst the owner was recycling this morning.

Christine Thomas, who lives on Sedgemoor Road, was getting ready to go out when her handbag was believed to be stolen from her home.

She left the bright pink bag inside her doorway and went to fill up the recycling bins whilst she was waiting.

In the time she went to her garage, which can only have been a couple of minutes she said, the bag was taken.

The incident happened shortly after 9am and police have been at the property for over two hours, questioning neighbours and searching the area.

Mrs Thomas said: “I went to sort the recycling bins out whilst I was waiting and when I came back in my bag had gone. It was just a case of opportunism.

“There wasn’t a lot in the bag, only about £20 but it was my phone as well which had pictures on plus my driving licence and card.

“The police got here very quickly this morning and they have been brilliant in helping me.”

Contact the police on 101 if you have any information.