POLICE say elderly people in the Colne area should be vigilant when drawing money from the bank, building society or post office.

The warning comes after a thief attacked and robbed a 65-year-old woman in Colne town centre.

Enid Lawrence, who lives locally, had been to a building society and had just turned into a side street off Albert Road when she was grabbed from behind by a man who took hold of her shoulder bag. She was spun round and the bag was torn from her grasp. She suffered bruising to her arm and she bit her lip. It happened at 2.15pm on Friday.

The robber was chased by a member of the public to the back of the Municipal Hall where buildings workers also took up the chase, but he escaped with £130 after discarding the bag.

He is described as white, 20-30, 5ft 8in and of medium build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a lightweight jacket and blue jeans.

Det Sgt Dave Fleming said: "There have been a number of similar incidents in the past few months. I would ask elderly people to be vigilant when drawing money and to let the people at the counter know if they are suspicious about anyone watching or following them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Fleming on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.