AN 83-YEAR-OLD woman allegedly had £2,500 stolen after a man asked her for help choosing a present for his mother.

The victim had just been to the cash point in North Street, Brighton, when she was approached by the man carrying a bunch of flowers. He went with her to Marks and Spencer but left suddenly after she had tried on a couple of coats, giving her the flowers.

The victim realised her card was missing, and went back to Barclays, where she found £2,500 had been withdrawn from her account.

Police today released this CCTV image of a man they want to speak to over the theft. 

PC Andrew Boucher said: "We would like to speak to this man in connection with the theft and are hoping someone might be able to identify him."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 764 of 27/10.