A 78-YEAR-OLD woman who is too frightened to be identified had her shopping bag snatched from her as she waited for a bus home in Nelson.

The pensioner had been waiting at the bus stop on a lay-by in Scotland Road, close to Kwik Save, at 10.05pm on Thursday.

She was not injured but police have said she is very shaken.

DC Ian Taylor, of Nelson CID, said: "She was standing at the bus stop when a white A-reg car pulled up in the lay-by. A man got out of the passenger side and started speaking to her in a foreign language. It seems he was doing this until all the passing traffic had gone.

"When there were no cars about he grabbed her shopping bag but she wouldn't let go. He gave a big yank and quickly got back in the car and the car sped off."

They escaped with the bag containing various items, including cash, pens, make-up and a telescopic umbrella.

The woman, who lives in Nelson could not see the driver because he stayed in the car. The passenger was described as Asian, in his 20s and about 5ft 8ins tall.

DC Taylor said: "Someone we are particularly interested in speaking to is a member of the public who came up to her almost immediately after it happened and asked her is she wanted to ring the police. He is not connected with it but he might be able to give us more information about the car.

"The elderly woman didn't ring the police then. The bus came straight away afterwards so she got on it and went home and told a neighbour about what had happened.

"There were about 10 or 15 cars went past while the thief was talking to her. It is only a short distance from Leeds Road, it is very well lit and busy. If anyone saw anything they should contact myself or any of the other CID officers on 01282 472646.