Manhunt launched after woman's suitcase and handbag worth more than £8,000 are stolen from outside London train station in 'paint scam'

Police have launched a manhunt after a woman's suitcase and handbag were stolen from outside London's St Pancras International station in a so-called 'paint scam'. The items - worth more than £8,000 - were taken in a disturbing ruse in which crooks throw paint or sauce over unsuspecting victims before stealing their valuable while they are distracted. The incident happened at around 9.45am on Saturday December 27, when a man approached a woman at the station and told her she had paint on her coat. As she was distracted, a second man stole her suitcase and handbag, which together were worth more than £8,000. British Transport Police (BTP) officers investigating the high value theft have released CCTV images of two men they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries.