An elderly woman had her handbag and about £400 cash snatched while shopping in a Bicester super- market.

The 80-year-old was looking at newspapers in Tesco, Sheep Street, at about 3.15pm on April 10 when a woman approached her and starting talking to her.

Shortly after, the elderly woman noticed her handbag was missing from her shopping trolley.

It contained two brown purses with about £400 cash, two building society paying-in books and a chequebook.

David Campbell, crime reduction advisor at Bicester Police Station, said: "This was very distressing for the victim. Regrettably it only takes a few seconds of inattention for bags, purses or wallets to be stolen in a shop.

"They should not be left in trolleys or baskets, and I do advise shoppers not to carry large amounts of cash." with them in any circumstances."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Pc Dave Griffiths on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.