A thief stole a 77-year-old woman’s purse in Epsom last Wednesday and withdrew £250 from her account.

The theft happened between 1.20pm and 2pm as the victim was browsing in the High Street branch of Lakeland with a friend.

She was followed around the store by two women before one of them stood beside the pensioner, reaching into her handbag to steal her purse.

Two cash withdrawals of £50 and £200 were made using her debit card.

Detective Constable Vicki Morris said: “This lady was not aware she had become a victim of purse-dipping until she came to pay for something in Lakeland and realised her purse had gone.

“It is all too easy to become distracted while out shopping, especially if you are browsing with friends, but bags, wallets and purses are a constant temptation to thieves.”

The thieves, both women, are described as of Eastern European appearance, medium build and with pale skin.

One had light brown, almost blonde, hair tied in a ponytail and she was wearing black-rimmed glasses or sunglasses, a beige jacket and dark trousers.

The second had brown shoulder length hair and was wearing a grey coloured hooded cardigan, black trousers and she was had a black handbag over her shoulder.