The handbag and purse of a mother killed by a train may have been stolen at the scene of her death.

Charlene Pickering’s belongings have not been found since she was struck at Wimbledon station on Sunday, January 8.

Police have appealed on the whereabouts of the items, after three searches of the tracks and exhaustive inquiries with lost property offices failed to recover them.

Officers believe they were lost or stolen.

In a joint statement, Pamela and Guy Pollington, Miss Pickering’s mother and stepfather, said: “Following the tragic loss of our daughter on January 8, we are appealing to anyone who may know the whereabouts of her bag and purse, which went missing from the scene.

“Within them there would have been some personal belongings which are of great sentimental value and would be of some comfort to us as a family.

“Their return may help us as we try and come to terms with this tragedy.”

It is believed Miss Pickering, a mother-of-one from Walton, was carrying a teal, leather effect River Island handbag on the evening of the accident.

The bag contained a small Accessorize purse like the one pictured, but in brown.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are currently preparing a file for the coroner.

The inquest was opened at Westminster Coroner’s Court on Monday, January 16, and adjourned to Monday, April 16.

If you have information about the whereabouts of Miss Pickering’s bag and purse, contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 372 of 8/1/12.