Thief snatches purse of Phil Collins wife

The wife of rock star Phil Collins had her purse snatched during a Christmas shopping trip in London.

Orianne Collins, 30, fell victim to a pickpocket while visiting Regent Street on Saturday afternoon.

The couple, who live in Switzerland, were in the capital for the premiere of animated film Brother Bear. The former Genesis drummer has written the movie’s soundtrack.

Wardens for Westminster Council later found the discarded purse, still containing Ms Collins’ bank cards, next to a litter bin and returned it to its owner.

The multi-millionaire couple thanked the wardens, Alan Auchterloine and Sabah Boulakhra, by sending them a luxury food hamper.

Mr Auchterloine said: “It’s nice to be thanked for doing a great job. Celebrity or not, we’d do the same for everybody.”