A "WELL-to-do" pickpocket is being hunted by police after she struck several times, targeting elderly victims in Accrington town centre.

Investigators have released CCTV footage of the woman sought by officers in connection with the string of thefts.

The image shows the smartly-dressed woman, wearing a black cardigan and sunglasses perched on her head, standing beside a younger women who, police believe, was acting as a lookout in Accrington's outdoor market, near the bus station.

Sgt Ian Corbett blamed the woman, aged between 30 and 40, for more than 10 recent offences, where purses containing cash and credit cards were swiped.

He said: "The majority of offences are taking place between 11am and 2pm on Fridays.

"The women involved are well organised, and professional, and aware of their surroundings."

He said the women shadow their victims. Then, when an opportunity arises, normally in a crowded shopping area, they snatch the purse from the victim's handbag.

He added: "She could be an average middle-class mother out doing her shopping.

"She certainly doesn't stand out from the crowd, or look like your average pickpocket."