A woman had her purse snatched by thieves who kept staff busy and targeted a back room.

McColl’s in Leander Drive, Gravesend, was the scene of what Kent Police have called a “distraction burglary” yesterday afternoon.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police is investigating a reported distraction burglary at McColl’s in Leander Drive, Gravesend.

“It is reported that around 3pm on June 1, two members of staff were distracted by two members of the public.

“One of the employees later realised her purse was missing from a back room. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

This is not the first time the store has been a target. Staff were tied up during an armed robbery at McColl’s last year.

McColl’s declined to comment on the latest incident.