Detectives have released CCTV footage of two women they want to identify after an elderly woman had cash stolen whilst shopping on her mobility scooter.

The 79-year-old victim was targeted by the thieves in a shop in High Road, Ilford, at 3:30pm on Sunday, March 3.

As the victim stood to look at items of clothing she placed her shoulder bag on her right shoulder before being approached by the two women.

The duo then pretended to look at items on the opposite shelf.

Suspect one, who was wearing a green coat, approached the victim and proceeded to unzip the victim’s shoulder bag and attempted to remove her purse, before being disturbed.

She came back again and successfully removed the purse and both suspects walked away.

A total of £50 in cash was stolen along with bank cards.

The video of the incident can be viewed here http://news.met.police.uk/videos/cctv-footage-45493

Police were contacted and officers from the East Area Command Unit launched an investigation.

Suspect one is a white female, aged in her 20s, was wearing a maroon coloured coat, blue jeans and black shoes and carrying a shoulder bag.

Suspect two is described as a white female and was wearing a dark green coat, grey leggings with a white stripe down the outside of the leg and dark shoes.

PC Terry Hughes, based in Ilford, said: “I would urge anyone who recognises these women to contact us so that we can prevent them from targeting other vulnerable members of our community.”

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information about the identity of the two suspects should call PC Terry Hughes on 101 quoting reference 4406899/19.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crime prevention advice can be found on our website.