A woman who left her handbag on the roof of her car has said she is ‘not scared but very angry’ that someone would take her belongings.

At 4pm on Sunday, Gemma Meakin filled up her car at Sainsbury’s petrol station in Hatch Warren, Basingstoke.

She left her handbag on the roof of her car, but did not realise as she drove off.

At the roundabout outside the store, she realised her mistake, so she went back to the petrol station, but couldn’t find it.

Gemma said: “When I got back round to the petrol station I saw a lady with what I thought was my purse get in her car and quickly drive off. She had a black coat on and blonde hair.

“I had school photos of my kids in there. I’ve got copies, so it’s not a massive upset just more annoying. It’s a big purse about A5 size. It had my driving license, national insurance card and also my middle child’s disability yellow card, which we need when he goes swimming.

“The thing that most annoys me is the purse itself was a gift from a friend, so it’s very dear to me. It’s a purse with money in it.

“There was only £20 in there. It took me 3 hours yesterday to report the cards as stolen, plus an hour on the phone to the police today.

“Its so annoying for the sake of £20. I would have given it to her for handing it in. I wasn’t expecting much if I’m honest. Just hoping it would be returned, even if it had no money in.

“It would mean the world to me to get it back. I don’t hold out much hope, but it would be wonderful if I did.”

Gemma posted about what happened online. She said: “A man has messaged me to say he tried to get my attention and that a lady had picked it up.

“He thought she had taken it in and gave to the staff. Clearly she had not.”

Hampshire Constabulary said: “Our enquiries are still ongoing. Anyone who saw the navy blue purse at the petrol station should call 101, quoting reference number 44190450240.”