A 79-YEAR-OLD woman was left distraught after a youth stole her handbag while she fetched him a glass of water.

The woman, from Oaktree Grove, New Earswick, has been too upset to provide police with details of the boy.

He knocked on her door between 5.30pm and 6.30pm yesterday and asked for a drink, claiming he was thirsty.

A police spokeswoman said: "This woman was left extremely upset by the incident and has been unable to speak fully about it.

"It is disgusting that someone could take advantage of an elderly lady like this."

If anyone has any information they should contact York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:48 Wednesday, October 17, 2001