A THIEF snatched a woman's handbag from her just as she was about to drive off.

The 34-year-old woman victim had seen the man as she walked towards her blue Daewoo estate car parked at the Adelphi Hotel, Railway Street, Burnley.

She got into the vehicle and was about to drive off when he doubled back, opened the back door of the car and stole her handbag.

Det Sgt Peter Simm said the 34-year-old victim was shaken by the incident.

The thief escaped with a black handbag with a leather strap and two silver magnetic clasps.

It contained 1,000 French francs, credit cards and cheque book, a pair of black leather gloves, a black purse and £28 cash.

A black umbrella was also taken,

The crook is described as Asian, 5ft 10ins tall and slim.

He was wearing a beige top and dark trousers.

"We are appealing for anyone who an Asian man behaving furtively of suspiciously in that area at around 5.25pm on Wednesday, or who saw anyone running away from the car park, to contact the police," said DS Simm.

Footage from CCTV cameras is being studied to try to identify the thief.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 55111.