POLICE are appealing for information from the public after a man stole a pensioner’s purse having helped to carry shopping into her house.

A couple in their 70s had been out shopping before arriving back home to Broad Lane in Grappenhall at around 2.30pm on Saturday, November 4.

As they were getting out of their car, the pair were approached by a man who spoke very little English and was holding a map.

Appearing to be asking the couple for directions, the man then helped his victims to carry some of their shopping into the garage.

He then followed them inside to the kitchen and laid his map down on the worktop, before picking it up and leaving after a few minutes.

The woman then noticed her purse was missing from the worktop.

Cheshire Police are appealing for information over the distraction theft, with the suspect described as being Asian, around 50 years old and 5ft4.

He has short dark hair which was greying, and was wearing a dark coat and dark grey jogging shorts.

Detective constable Neil Radley said: “Fortunately the purse only contained a small amount of money and the bank cards were cancelled almost straight away.

“As well as appealing for anyone with information, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 298 of November 8, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.