AN ELDERLY woman shouted at a robber 'don't you dare put your hand in my handbag' before a man ran off with thousands of pounds she had just withdrawn from the bank.

Kent Police have released two CCTV images of a man and a woman they are looking for in connection with the crime which happened just after the 89-year-old had been into Halifax in Windmill Street, Gravesend.

The woman then met her daughter and the pair walked to the Thamesgate shopping centre to catch the lift to where their car was parked.

The crime was reported on December 10 last year and Kent Police said they have been following up other lines of inquiry.

The victim had the cash in a zipped pocket inside her handbag.

When she and her daughter entered the lift, a man and a woman also got in and the woman stood extremely close to the victim, making her feel uncomfortable.

As she and her daughter exited the lift, the victim realised the female had reached inside her handbag.

The victim said: 'Don't you dare put your hand in my bag.'

At this point, the man in the lift suddenly appeared in front of her and snatched the cash from the victim's bag.

The elderly lady screamed for help but both suspects ran off in different directions.

Investigating officer, DC Debbie Cummings, said: 'This was a shameful act of theft against an elderly lady, who has been left extremely shaken and upset.

"I’d like to remind members of the public to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly during the act of withdrawing money and afterwards - opportunistic criminals prey on the vulnerable and when they spot their chance, they act quickly.

"We are doing all we can to hunt down the offenders and bring them to justice, and I believe the man and woman pictured here have information that could help with our enquiries and would ask anybody who recognises them to come forward.'

The man is described as being in his late 30s and 6ft tall. He had a stocky build and very dark, thick, short hair.

"He was clean shaven with a round face and wore a shiny navy blue anorak.

"The woman is described as having a sallow complexion and being around 30 years old.

"She had a gaunt face and was around 5ft 1ins tall with a very small build.

"She had hazel or brown eyes, very dark hair pulled back from her face and wore a dark beige knee-length anorak with a fur collar."

Anybody with information is asked to call DC Cummings on 07807341076 quoting crime report number XY/40128/13.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.