A PREGNANT woman had her handbag snatched by a phoney beggar who stopped her in the street and asked her for money.

The 36-year-old victim, who is six months pregnant, was walking down Cobden Street, Nelson, near the driving test centre, when she was approached by two white males.

One of the men held his hand out and asked if she could spare any change.

As the woman went to reach into her bag to find him some money, he snatched the bag from her shoulder.

Both men ran off down Lomeshaye Road with the bag, which contained £125 cash in a black, zip purse, and some cosmetics.

The victim went immediately to the police station to report the theft which occurred at around 10.25am on Friday, August 8.

The man who grabbed the bag is described as about 30 years old, 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, with blond hair. He was scruffy and was wearing dark leather trousers and a black tee-shirt.

His accomplice is described as around 5ft 3in tall, in his late 20s, skinny and unshaven, wearing a blue baseball cap and blue jeans.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, or for anyone who was in the Cobden Street, Lomeshaye Road and Hibson Road area at the time of the robbery and saw anything suspicious to contact them.

They would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the descriptions given by the victim of the two men.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472645 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free.