A pensioner has been robbed of £500 by a pair of distraction thieves.

The woman, who is in her 70s, told the Kent Messenger she feels "embarrassed and foolish" after a young woman blocked her path while another went through her handbag in Maidstone on Tuesday morning.

Asking to remain anonymous, the 75-year-old is hoping the public can help police find the thieves.

She said: "I took the money out at Barclays in Fremlin Walk, I prefer to use cash on a daily basis but I put it in a small compartment in my bag.

"They must have been looking out for a target because I was followed down to Mill Street, outside Age UK when one of them blocked my path.

"I waited for her to move until I realised she wasn't going to, then I said excuse me.

"When I got home I realised what happened, the other girl had gone through my bag.

"I just feel so upset that they could target an elderly lady with a walking stick.

"I've lived in Maidstone all my life and this has never happened to me before."

The thieves are described as young women in their early 20s with high ponytails and east European accents. Both were wearing blue jeans.

A spokesman from Kent Police said: "The victim reported that a quantity of cash had been stolen from her bag. Officers are continuing to investigate."

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