POLICE are still searching for a ‘despicable' thief who stole cash from an epileptic woman as she suffered a seizure on the floor of Stourbridge's Ryemarket.

When the 48-year-old woman collapsed and began fitting violently passers-by rushed to comfort the women and give first aid.

But Dudley police believe a member of the public took advantage of the fallen shopper’s plight by reaching into her handbag and swiping £60 in cash.

Kelley Dyas, Ryemarket centre manager, said: “This was a despicable act and we are saddened that something like this occurred in The Ryemarket.

“One member of our security team was first on the scene to help and give first aid.

“This is not an everyday occurrence and we would like to reassure shoppers that we have a member of our security team on duty every day.

“We would ask our shoppers to get in touch with the police immediately if they have any information regarding the incident.”

Police originally released a CCTV image of a suspect who was seen to move the lady’s shopping trolley, before quickly leaving the market.

However, the woman has since been spoken to by police and has been cleared of any involvement in the theft.

West Midlands Police tweeted: “A woman we wanted to speak to about a theft from an epileptic woman in Stourbridge has now been identified and eliminated from inquiries.

“After speaking to her and reviewing the footage, it’s been established she was not involved in the theft at all.

“We’re still looking into the theft.”

Wollaston councillor Nic Barlow was called the theft an “abomination” and hopes the thief will be found as soon as possible.

He said: “What happened to the woman was absolutely dreadful and for somebody to take money from a person when they are in such a critical state is despicable.

“It’s bad enough when a theft takes place in any situation, but in this case it’s an abomination.

“Hopefully the great media coverage surrounding the investigation will help the police catch the correct individual as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call Dudley Police’s Acquisitive Crime Team at Brierley Hill police station on 101, quoting crime reference number 20DY/64626Q/15.