POLICE are warning the public to be alert after a pensioner was threatened inside a bank.

A 70-year-old man was queuing at Woolwich bank in Lewisham High Street when he was approached by two women and a man.

They told him he had paint on the back of his jacket before taking hold of him.

The suspects gave up after failing to get his jacket, leaving the man in need of medical help as he was having difficulty breathing.

Police believe the suspects were attempting to steal money the victim had earlier placed in his inside jacket pocket.

Detective Constable Richard Illington from Lewisham CID said: "These three individuals are involved in a cunning plan where they sprayed paint onto this victim's back in order to remove his jacket and steal his cash.

"I urge the public to be vigilant."

The male suspect is described as white, 6ft, aged 25, with short brown hair and is possibly Eastern European.

The first female suspect is described as white, 5ft 6in, aged 30, possibly Eastern European, and was wearing a brown jacket and carrying a black handbag.

The second female suspect is described as white, aged 28, 5ft 7in, and possibly Eastern European.

Anyone who has information on the August 4 incident at 11.30am should call 020 8284 8411.