Shocking footage shows a brazen thief stealing an elderly driver's car after offering her help.

The victim, a 72-year-old woman, had parked her car, a black Ford Focus, in the Whole Foods car park off Heathfield High Street.

She was sat in the car with the keys in the ignition after returning to it when a man approached her and told her something was leaking from the car.

She got out and went to the bonnet. The man then jumped into the car and started the engine. She tried to stand in front of the car but the man drove away, clipping her knee with the car as he went.

This video shows the theft.

As well as the car, her handbag containing house keys, money and credit card were also stolen during the incident at about 10.30am on November 16. The car was recovered from the village of Hellingly near Hailsham on November 21.

PC Catherine Maddock said: "Thankfully the victim is physically fine after the incident but is still extremely shaken.

"This is a concerning incident but we are hoping someone might have seen the man responsible for the theft.

"We'd also advise people not to leave the keys in their car if they need to check on it, take the keys out or drive away to check it at home.

"Were you in Heathfield on November 16 and did you see a man acting suspiciously in the car park? The suspect is described as around 45, 5ft 9in, stocky with stubble and wearing a hat."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting serial 365 of November 16.