A WOMAN’S iPad was snatched out of her hands as she used it on a train.

The theft happened as the woman, 25, from Billericay, travelled on a train between Fenchurch Street and Southend Central.

British Transport Police (BTP) are now appealing for information and have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident in East Tilbury.

Det Con David Bishop, investigating officer, said: “The 25-year-old woman from Billericay was on board the 9.20pm Fenchurch Street to Southend Central service when she began to use her iPad.

“As the train arrived into East Tilbury station, at around 10pm, a man snatched the tablet device from her hands and ran from the train and out of the station.”

The appeal comes following the launch of Operation Magnum, a BTP campaign to help rail passengers keep valuables safe from pick pockets, gadget-grabbers and luggage thieves.

Anyone with any information about the theft, which happened on Tuesday, August 27, can contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B14/LNA of 20/09/2013.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.