A TRIO of youngsters asked to use the toilet at a partially-sighted woman's home and stole a purse containing £20 cash.

Two of the youngsters went into the 87-year-old's lounge after asking to use the toilet at her home in Marsden Crescent, Nelson.

The other went towards the bathroom unaccompanied.

A brown clasp purse was stolen from a sideboard in the lounge while the woman was distracted.

Two of the youths were girls, aged about 14, and the other was a boy about 18.

One of the girls had blonde curly hair and a local accent, the other had a tall, slim build and shoulder-length dark hair.

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 472634 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.