Police are hunting a daring bicycle-riding thief who snatched a handbag from a stationary car in Corsham last week.

A man riding a silver bike made off with the pink handbag in broad daylight at around 5.15pm on Park Lane last Tuesday.

He pulled up from the Rudloe direction alongside a local 25-year-old woman in a Citroen Picasso, who was waiting at the roundabout.

He then opening the car door and snatched her bag, which contained a Samsung Galaxy S3 mobile phone, before cycling off towards Box.

He was dressed in black, with a hat and scarf covering most of his face.

PC Melonie Neal, from Chippenham Police Station, said: “The victim was understandably shocked and upset.

“This incident happened in the daylight when traffic was heavy and we are sure that there are witnesses who have not yet come forward.

“We know that there was a group of children playing on the green at the time and I am appealing for anyone who was in the area or who has any information to contact me”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Neal at Chippenham Police Station on 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where details may be left anonymously if preferred.