A SNEAK bag-snatch thief left an elderly Accrington pensioner upset and distressed after a callous crime that has shocked the community.
The 90-year-old woman had opened her front door in Manchester Road while waiting for a taxi to pick her up.
But, it was then that the thief took the opportunity to slip into the house.
Police believe he was then taken by surprise when he caught sight of the elderly lady, and snatched her handbag and cash before running out of her house.
It is thought the bag-snatcher ran up Manchester Road in the direction of Rising Bridge.
The bag snatch took place about 4.30 on Sunday afternoon.
Detective Sergeant Ian Geogarty of Accrington CID has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
He said: "This incident left this elderly lady very upset and distressed.
"The last thing she expected was to have a man in her house stealing her handbag while she was going about her daily business.
"We believe this man was seen just prior to the incident on Manchester Road.
"I would urge anyone who may have been in the area on Sunday afternoon andthinks they saw this man acting suspiciously to call us."
Police yesterday issued a description of the offender.
He is white, aged 28 to 30, about 5ft 2in tall with short dark hair.
He was wearing a dark-coloured tracksuit and a light-coloured top.
If anyone has any information they should contact DS Geogarty on 353741.
