Three women and a man have been arrested following a spate of bag snatches in Brighton and Hove.

More than 60 purses and handbags have been stolen this month and, despite the arrests, thefts are continuing.

Detective Inspector Ian Pollard said: "This is a distressing crime which allows thieves access to personal belongings including credit cards."

Circe Newbold, a 35-year-old teacher, told how she was robbed while in Brighton's new Jubilee library.

She hid her purse in her baby's pram while she had her nine-year-old daughter Chloe's books scanned.

She said: "A woman sitting near the pram reached in as if to put something back that had fallen off the pram. I believe she took my purse."

Among items stolen in the purse was her 12-year-old son Daniel's birth certificate.

She said: "A purse is a very personal thing and this is not just about the money I lost. It made me feel awful."

Anyone with information on this or any other theft should call 0845 6070999.