Police are appealing for information after an 83-year-old woman had her handbag stolen from her mobility aid as she shopped in Abingdon.

The victim was shopping in the Market Place when she noticed her navy blue leather handbag had been stolen from her Rollator Mobility walking aid.

She noticed it was missing while shopping in M&Co.

The stolen handbag contained a red wallet, with driving licence, bank cards and £70 cash, and a small brown leather bag, which contained a door key, medication, and a Rover car key and fob.

PC Gareth Clarke said: “When the victim was shopping in M&Co, she noticed another customer very close to her, invading her personal space and actually asked her to move away. We would like to trace this woman in connection with this theft.

“She is white, between 30 and 40 years old, average build and around 5ft 3in tall. She had mousey light-brown, shoulder-length, straight hair and was wearing a long-sleeved jacket or coat which was beige or metallic gold.

“Stealing someone’s belongings from their mobility aid is a particularly despicable crime and the victim has been left very upset.

"I am keen to find the person who targeting this elderly and vulnerable victim and would urge anyone with any information about the incident or who recognises the description of the woman to contact me.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Clarke via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.