A PENSIONER had her handbag snatched by thieves who pulled alongside her in a car before roaring away.

The 79-year-old woman was walking along South Drive, Padiham, close to the junction of Burnley Road, at 11.55am on Sunday when the vehicle approached her.

A man opened a car door and reached out to grab the handbag, containing £100 as well as personal documents and bank cards.

The snatch caused her to fall to the floor and suffer minor injuries, though she refused hospital treatment.

Detectives say she was left shocked by the drive-off snatch.

But she was not badly hurt and is recovering from her ordeal at home.

The car is described as a dark coloured saloon but the pensioner was unable to give a description of the offenders.

Det Sgt John Puttock said: "The 79-year-old female victim was walking along South Drive when she was approached by some offenders in a motor vehicle.

"They stopped when she was adjacent to the door and an offender reached out and grabbed the handbag from the victim and made off.

"It caused the victim to fall to the floor and receive injuries.

They were minor injuries but she was shaken by the incident. Due to her age we are concerned. We are making inquiries into the incident.

"We are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at that time."

Officers are checking CCTV footage from the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call Burnley CID on 01282 472140.