VULNERABLE elderly women, one of whom is almost blind, have had their purses stolen during a "despicable" supermarket distraction theft.

The victims, one aged 92 and partially sighted, and the other aged 85, were both victims of the theft at Aldi in Kidderminster Road, Roman Way Retail Park, Droitwich at 2.30pm on Thursday, April 24.

The 92-year-old victim of Droitwich, who declined to be named, said: "I think it's dreadful. I feel sick to the stomach. I still can't believe it. I think they are horrible people."

Wychavon safer neighbourhood inspector Janet Heritage said: "This is a despicable crime where these people have targeted two vulnerable victims. I appeal to anyone that was in the area at the time who may have seen the activities described to come forward with any information that they may have, including any details of possible vehicles or the identities of the offenders."

The two elderly females attended Aldi store on Kidderminster Road at about 1.30pm. They had been in the store for some time completing their shopping. At the till a male and a female that they did not know assisted them with packing their bags and moving their items around, causing them confusion when the purses were taken.

Both women went to the car park with their shopping and were met by the same female and male along with another male who insisted on helping them get their shopping into the car. The female was described as "very persistent" in her actions and the shopping was placed into the car. The male who helped pack items in the store was trying to put in an assistance walking trolley into the car. The female was next to another female and the first male took things out of bags to put into the boot. This confused the women but they thanked the young couple for helping. One of the elderly victims then realised that her purse has been stolen. The second lady has then gone into her shopping bag and also discovered her purse had been stolen. The unknown males and female made off in an unknown direction and using an unknown method of travel. One of the females was dressed all in black clothing. The first male (who assisted on both occasions) is described as tall (nearly 6ft) with dark short hair, wearing a black jacket (leather like) and lighter coloured trousers. The third male was dressed in dark clothing. All are described as slightly dark skinned with a poor English.

The purses stolen were a black and white snakeskin type purse containing cash and bank cards

and a cream coloured purse containing money, bank cards and a bus pass.

Police can be contacted via their non-emergency number 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.