CCTV images have been released after thieves stole hundreds of pounds from two women in their seventies in York.

North Yorkshire Police said a woman’s handbag containing £300 was stolen and a further £200 was taken from her bank accounts shortly after she had withdrawn cash from Santander in High Ousegate. She hung her bag containing the cash on her walking aid as she shopped in the Parliament Street Marks and Spencer.

A spokesman said it was unhooked from her walking aid and stolen by a man and woman and her stolen bank card were used to withdraw £200 from an RBS cash point in Nessgate, but further attempts to withdraw another £500 were unsuccessful.

The second incident happened at Boots in Coney Street, when an elderly woman’s purse was stolen from her walking aid by a woman who then left the store.

The incidents happened on November 18 and 20 respectively, and police believe they are linked.

Anyone who recognises the man or woman in the images should phone 101, email matthew.roebuck@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 quoting reference 12170207415 for the first incident or 12170208454 for the second.