Police are appealing for information after a disabled woman’s purse was stolen by a man who claimed to be helping her.



Officers were called around 3pm on July 7 following the incident at the junction of New South Promenade and Harrow Place in South Shore.

The victim, a 42-year-old woman from Blackpool, was using a wheelchair when a man approached and offered to help her cross the road.

A short time later the woman realised her purse was missing from her handbag.

Her bank card was used in several shops in the South Shore area before being cancelled.

The suspect is described as tanned, with short dark hair and stubble. He was wearing dark clothing and carrying two white carrier bags. He also had a cut eyebrow.

Following investigation officers have realised images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the offence, pictured.

PC Michelle Nelson, of Blackpool Police, said: “We are appealing for information after the theft of a woman’s purse in Blackpool.

“We believe the offender took the item from the victim’s handbag having offered to help her cross the road.

“The victim is a vulnerable person who was taken advantage of in a despicable and shameful manner.

“We have released images of a man we want to speak to in relation to the offence and I would urge anyone who recognises him to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting WA1610161.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.