POLICE are searching for a group of women after £500 worth of clothing, phone chargers and bedding was stolen from a Tesco store.

The theft reportedly occurred at Tesco in Caird Avenue, New Milton between 1.20pm and 1.40pm on Wednesday, October 9.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is investigating the incident and has released CCTV images of three women who officers would like to speak with.

The first woman is described as approximately 5ft 5ins tall, aged in her 40s, of large build, with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing a light-coloured blouse, black trousers and flip flops, and carrying a large black holdall.

The second woman is described as approximately 5ft 5ins tall, aged in her 60s, of medium build, with brown/grey hair in a high bun, wearing a white gilet and glasses, and carrying a black holdall.

The third woman is described as approximately 5ft 5ins tall, aged in her 30s, of medium build, with blonde hair, wearing a blue hooded top, grey trousers and Croc-style footwear and carrying a black ribbed holdall.

Police have also released a description of a fourth woman they’d like to speak with. She is described as approximately 5ft 3ins tall, aged in her 20s, of slender build, brown hair in a high bun, wearing a black coat with a fur trim and light blue jeans.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “We believe the women in these images can help us with our investigation and would urge them, or anyone who knows their identity, to get in touch with us.

“Also, if you witnessed anything of any of this incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.

“You can do this by calling 101, or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, quoting incident number 44240439774.

“You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting their website.”