‘DESPICABLE’ thieves grabbed the handbag of a 94-year-old woman from her trolley as she shopped.


The bag, containing hundreds of pounds, was taken from the ‘vulnerable pensioner’ in Morrisons store, Railway Road, Blackburn.


Officers have issued CCTV images of a couple they want to speak to in connection with the incident.


Community leaders said they were shocked someone could ‘stoop so low’.


And in a bid to support the victim, Morrisons covered the cost of her shopping and gave her store vouchers.

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Police said money had also been pledged by strangers who had heard about the theft.


The victim’s bag, which was navy blue, contained a small blue purse with a bank card and £200 in cash, police said.


Ron O’Keeffe, who is part of Blackburn Businesses Against Crime, a group which co-ordinates Shop Watch and other anti-crime projects, said: “Our entire community is shocked that thieves could stoop so low as to target a lady of 94.


“People only need to think of their own family members and the effect it could have on them and their independence.


“All our members are appalled that she could have her personal items stolen.


“I’ve been authorised by the group to donate £100 to give to the lady so at least she is not out of pocket.


“We are also assisting police with CCTV from other sources in the town in an attempt to track down the suspects.


“Let’s hope they’re caught and punished soon.


“If they’re seen in Blackburn again they will soon be picked up.”


The victim was said to be shaken but physically unharmed after her ordeal around 1.30pm on Wednesday.


Officers are now urging anyone who recognises the pair to contact police.


The man was wearing a dark top, jeans and dark trainers and had some facial hair.


The woman was wearing a beige jacket, dark jeans and white trainers.


Sgt Nick Everett said: “This is a despicable and heinous crime against a 94-year-old woman while she was doing her shopping.


“We are keen to speak to the couple pictured in connection with the incident and I would urge anyone who recognises them or has any information about them to contact us as soon as possible.


“I would like to personally thank Morrisons.


“The duty manager has agreed that the shopping, needed by the elderly lady, can be at their expense and they offered the lady a £20 store voucher which she can use in Morrisons to purchase any other items.


“We would like to thank everyone for their offers of support and help in respect of this incident.


“We will be making contact with those who have offered.”


Shopper Jane Lever, 32, of Livesey Branch Road, said: “It makes me sick and angry. A lady of that age deserves respect and yet she’s stolen from.” 


“I’m hoping they catch the scum who did it soon.”


Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference ED1618391.