A HANDBAG containing $10,000 has been stolen from a car near Droitwich.

The money, which belonged to a British woman who lives in America, was stolen while she visited relatives in Dodderhill Common, Hanbury.

The back window of her hire car, a grey Renault Megane, was smashed between 3pm and 4.45pm on Sunday, and two handbags were stolen, one of which belonged to the victim's mother and contained about £30.

A police spokeswoman said: "Witnesses or anyone with information, including travel agency or bank staff who are asked to change large quantities of US dollars into sterling and have any suspicions, are asked to contact police on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

The bag contained $9,200 in $100 notes, $800 in $20 dollar notes, £600 sterling, US and UK bank cards, US and UK passports and a US driving licence.