A FUNDING page has been launched to raise cash for a vulnerable pensioner who was targeted by cold-hearted thieves while she was out shopping in Asda in the Cockhedge Centre.

Last week, the Warrington Guardian published an appeal for information after Cheshire Police released CCTV footage of two women they wanted to speak to after more than £200 was stolen from the purse of the 70-year-old victim on Friday, May 1, at 12pm.

Police allege that the double act followed the elderly victim around the store before removing her purse from her bag and taking the cash.

The purse was then put back in the victim’s handbag empty.

Many readers expressed their shock at the alleged crime but 21-year-old Sophie Appleton has decided to go one step further and raise the money and help put a smile back on the victim's face.

College student Sophie, who lives in Runcorn, said: "I thought it was awful when I read about it.

"If this had happened to my nan I would have been so upset. It's disgusting that someone can do this."

Sophie hopes others will be compelled to put their hands in their pockets - she hopes this will help to restore the victim's faith in humanity.

"She might be worried to go out but this is to show her that people do care," she said.

Investigations are ongoing into the incident and officers are currently following a number of lines of enquiry.

Inspector Richie Watts added: “I would like to offer my thanks for the great public response that there has been to the identification appeal.

"The public have responded in their numbers with the names of possible offenders being put forward and these enquiries are now being followed up and investigated by town centre officers."

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 citing crime incident number 0715123199 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

To donate click here.