Police investigating a theft have released a CCTV image of a man and woman they want to speak to.

Officers in Dorchester said that two purses belonging to a 90-year-old woman from the town were stolen, between 2pm and 2.30pm on Thursday October 16 in the Co-op on Trinity Street.

Police said the man and a woman followed the elderly lady into the store. The man approached the victim with a basket of shopping and started a conversation to distract her while a woman took two purses out of the victim’s handbag which contained cash. The offenders then immediately left the store.

Inspector Steve Marsh, of Dorchester police, said: “This is a particularly unpleasant crime with suspects deliberately targeting an elderly vulnerable lady.

“It appears that they have followed her into the store in order to commit the offence. I am concerned that the suspects involved will have carried out this type of offence before and will do so again.”

He added: “We would appreciate any help in identifying those in the picture so that we can speak to them regarding this incident. The victim was very upset and is receiving support from my local neighbourhood team.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 16:208. Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111