A PENSIONER who had just withdrawn £100 from a bank was targeted by thieves who stole the whole amount from her handbag.

Two young women dressed in black brushed up against the elderly woman in a fruit and vegetable shop on Broad Street in Newent, which is when police believe the money was taken from a zipped up compartment

The victim said the two females got very close to her, distracting her and making her feel threatened, and after returning home she realised the cash had been taken.

The "distraction theft" happened between 10.30am and 11.20am on Friday, September 22.

A Gloucestershire Police spokeswoman said: "We’re appealing for information after an unknown offender stole £100 from an elderly woman’s handbag while she was out shopping in Newent.

"Officers believe this was a distraction theft and are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to call 101 or email [email protected] and quote incident 429 of 22/09."

The two women are described as young, and one had very long dark hair.