Police are appealing for help to trace a group of thieves in Banbury who distracted an elderly woman to steal her purse.

The CCTV images show a group of people officers want to speak to in connection with an incident in the Poundland store in Malthouse Walk.

The people shown in these CCTV images targeted the 82-year-old woman outside and followed her into shop, where they surrounded and distracted her.

While this happened, one of the men in the group stole the elderly victim’s purse.

The incident happened at about 1pm on Friday, February 18, but details were only released this afternoon.

PC Tania Wasilewski said: “There were at least three men and one woman in the gang that carried out this crime.

“The victim has described them as being Asian or possibly Eastern European.

“This is a particularly shocking incident as the thieves have deliberately targeted an obviously elderly woman.

“I would urge anyone who recognises these people, or who has any information at all about this incident, to come forward and speak to us immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Wasilewski via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.