CCTV images have been released of two people police would like to speak to after money was stolen from an elderly woman.

The victim – who is in her 80s – had withdrawn money from a bank on High Street, Ledbury when she was approached by a man and a woman asking for directions.

After they had left, the victim realised the cash she has taken out had been stolen from her handbag. The incident happened at around 11.15am on Thursday, October 3.

PC Lyn Johnson, from Ledbury police station, said: “We know that the victim – who walks with the aid of the stick and is clearly vulnerable – was followed by the suspects into the bank. “They then watched her withdraw the money before waiting for her outside, where they distracted her by asking for directions in order to steal from her. “This offence has similarities to an incident which happened in Hereford city centre last month where an elderly blind man was targeted by two distraction thieves, possibly due to his age and disability.

“While we can’t be sure that the same people are responsible for both crimes, we would urge residents to be on their guard against distraction thieves.

"Sadly, the elderly are often the victims of these types of offences and in light of these two recent incidents, we would ask that if you do know someone who is vulnerable in this way, that you warn them to be on their guard when withdrawing money."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 234S 031013.