Stolen handbag returned to owner 30 years later

A handbag stolen over 30 years ago has been reunited with its owner after it was found washed up in Aberdeen.

The bag had been taken from 81-year-old Audrey Hay at her former workplace in the city.

It is thought the thief may have taken money from the bag - believed to be more than £200 - before throwing it into the River Don.

Eleven-year-old Maisie Coutts was walking at the mouth of the Don with her parents when she found the old bag containing various items on Tuesday.

Social media helped them track down Mrs Hay.

There were pens, coins, lipstick, earrings, a key and tablets inside when the bag was found.

Maisie's mum Kim said: “When we noticed the dates on the cards were all 1993 I thought oh my goodness this has been in the water a long time.

“I posted on social media and eventually we did track down Audrey.

“Audrey confirmed it was her bag and that it was stolen 30 years ago."

Audrey was delighted after being reunited with her handbag.

She said: “This wasn’t expected. It’s amazing it has survived. It’s the only bag I have lost.”