POLICE believed that a gang of pickpockets may have been operating in Blackburn after ten purses were reported missing in the town.

Acting Inspector Alan Holt, said: "We must warn people to keep a close eye on their handbags and shopping bags and make sure their purses are well hidden.

"We normally get an odd missing purse or two but this number is most unusual and we think there is some sort of operation under way."

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