A PENSIONER who stopped to help a fellow shopper in Burnley had her purse stolen by his accomplice.

The 81-year-old woman was shopping in Marks and Spencer, in St James's Street, at 2.30pm on Tuesday when she was approached by a man who said he was having difficulty reading a food label.

While she was assisting him, a woman stole her purse, which contained pictures of her aged 21, a bus pass and £46.

The man was described as Asian, in his 30s and of medium build with brushed-back black hair and thin-rimmed glasses. The woman was also in her 30s and of medium build with short, straight, streaked hair and wore thin-rimmed glasses.

Call Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.