THIEVES stole an 81-year-old woman's handbag whilst she was out shopping in Burnley.

A man and a woman are said to have distracted the pensioner before stealing the handbag off her walking aid.

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Police have released CCTV footage of one of the suspects following the incident, which is said to have left the victim, who is from Burnley, badly shaken.

Police said she was not injured in the distraction burglary.

The incident happened in Boots in St James Street at 3pm yesterday.

The handbag is said to have contained £40 in cash, a wallet, house keys and bank cards.

No arrests have been made.

A police spokesman said: "At around 3pm on Thursday, October 20, an elderly female victim was shopping in Boots, St James Street, Burnley, where the victim has been distracted by a male offender, whilst a female offender stole the victims handbag from her walking aid.

"The male has been described as having a local accent, and the female has been described as having an eastern European accent.

"The person in the photo require speaking to in relation to this incident. If anyone recognises the person please can you contact PC 3777 Brown at Lancashire Constabulary on 101 quoting Crime Reference EF1611220."