TWO women are being sought after an orchestrated theft where a young girl stole £1,000 cash from a man in a bank.

Police were called around 3pm on Monday to HSBC bank in Church Street, Blackburn, after the man noticed he was missing the money.

Earlier in the afternoon, the victim, a 44-year-old man from Blackburn, had withdrawn money at the Co-Op bank in Preston.

He travelled to Blackburn by bus but after visiting the HSBC branch, realised the cash was gone.

Following CCTV enquiries, police believe the victim was followed from Preston to Blackburn by two women and a girl.

While at HSBC bank, the women forced the girl, believed to be aged between seven and nine, to take the cash from the victim’s trolley. The group then walked off.

After investigation, police would like to speak to two women, pictured, in connection with the theft.

PC Josh Boswell said: “This is a shocking crime where a man has been targeted by two women for his money.

“The pair appear to have followed the victim from Preston to Blackburn before using a child to take the cash.

“It is vital we identify the women pictured who we believe can assist with our enquiries.

“If you recognise them, please call police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 or email 5004@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0867 of October 15. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.