A PENSIONER was robbed at gunpoint but moments later the teenage thieves returned her purse.

The 74-year-old woman was left severely shaken after she was forced to hand over her purse when what is believed to be a black handgun was pointed at her.

The incident happened on Caperthorne Road, Orford, at 2.25pm on Wednesday.

But a spokesman for Warrington police said: "It this stage we must stress that there has been no confirmation that the weapon was in fact a handgun."

The elderly woman had been walking home when she saw one of the boys on a mobile phone. Seconds later, another boy approached holding the weapon and the first boy demanded her purse.

He then fled toward the Hawthorne Centre.

Detectives say the teenager on the mobile phone then asked if she wanted her belongings back.

The police spokesman added: "The victim was then confronted by the pair. The first guy handed her purse back saying it had just been a joke.

"She was left severely shaken by the ordeal."

Both teenagers, aged around 16, ran off.

The first offender, who had been holding the phone, was 5ft 10ins tall and stocky with curly hair.

He wore light shorts and a long sleeved dark top at the time of the robbery.

His accomplice is 5ft 5ins tall and wore a hoodie with the hood up and dark trousers.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call DC Ian Hampson on 01244 613 834.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.