Police are appealing for witnesses after three elderly women had their purses stolen in Abingdon town centre.

Between 11am and midday yesterday, a 75-year-old woman noticed her purse had been stolen from her bag when she went to pay for something at the market in Market Place.

Between 11.30am and 11.45am, a 78-year-old woman was in Cancer Research UK when somebody bumped into her. Shortly after she noticed her purse had been stolen.

At about 11.20am, a 77-year-old woman noticed her purse had been stolen when she was at a market stall. She last used her purse in the Lounge Coffee Shop.

PC Greg Perry said: “I appeal to anyone who was in Abingdon town centre yesterday morning and saw anybody acting suspiciously to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information that could assist police enquiries is urged to contact PC Perry via Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police and don’t want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.