A woman in her 80s had her purse stolen while shopping in a Harpenden supermarket.

Police are appealing for information following the incident, which too place at midday on Monday, June 2 at the Sainsbury’s store in Harpenden’s High Street.

A woman in her 80s was in the store doing her shopping when a man approached her trolley while she was selecting items. He stole her purse from her handbag that was hanging from the trolley.

The man then left the store and met up with a second man before walking away down the High Street and past the Harpenden Arms pub. The black leather purse contained cash, stamps and bank cards.

The first man is described as white, aged in his 20s, of slim build and around 6ft 2ins tall. He was bald and wearing black sunglasses on his head. He was wearing a black coat, blue jeans and white trainers.

The second man is described as white, of slim build and around 5ft 10ins tall. He had dark short hair and was wearing a dark jacket and jeans.

PC Mark Smith said: "It’s particularly distressing when the elderly and vulnerable are targeted by offenders and so I would urge anyone who believes they know the identity of either man to contact me straight away.

"It’s believed the men had come from the direction of Leyton Road and that the second man sat outside Sainsbury’s on a bench whilst the first man entered the store. If anyone remembers seeing either man, or anything or anyone unusual or suspicious please contact me."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Smith via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101, citing crime reference F2/14/770. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.