A couple is believed to have followed an elderly woman across town and then distracted her to steal her purse and withdraw £2000 cash.

Police are appealing to anyone who recognises this couple thought to be involved of stealing from an elderly woman in Crawley as detectives released CCTV today. 

The 86-year-old victim was shopping in the town centre on April 2 when she was followed into the bank by a man and a woman.

It is believed they watched her enter her PIN and then followed her across town without her knowledge.

She was then approached in Savers on Queens Square and asked her for help choosing items in a shop in order to distract her and the man stole her purse.

The victim didn't notice until she went to pay for her shopping and found her purse had gone. It contained bank cards, a £20 note and some stamps.

However when she cancelled her card, £2,000 had been taken and another £2,500 worth of products from Argos had attempted to have been bought, some of which were authorised.

PC Louise Giles said: "We have some very clear CCTV images of the people we believe to be involved in this theft.

"This was a heartless theft from an elderly lady they could tell was vulnerable and it has left her faith in people badly shaken.

"I am appealing to anyone who knows who these people are to get in touch."

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 714 of April 2, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.