Detectives are hunting a woman suspected of snatching purses from the handbags of pensioners.

Eastbourne police have warned people to be on their guard after three purses containing cash and credit cards were taken between 12.45pm and 3pm on Wednesday (May 9).

The purses belonged to women aged 87, 85 and 74. They were snatched from Pound Land, the PDSA charity shop and the pedestrian area in Terminus Road, Eastbourne.

Sergeant Julian Williams of Sussex Police said: "During the last week we have seen an increase in reports of purses being stolen from ladies' handbags.

"I would like to take this opportunity to warn shoppers to take greater care of their personal belongings.

"If anybody sees someone acting suspiciously or believes that someone is trying to steal something, they should move to a safe area and call the police on 999."