EVESHAM police are warning shoppers in the town to be on their guard after an attempted distraction bag snatch.

The warning comes after a woman shopping at the Tesco Store in Worcester Road, Evesham, became concerned by the behaviour of two other women at about 11am last Friday.

She was approached by two women who she did not know who came "uncomfortably close" to her and tried to start a conversation.

When the woman mentioned the store's CCTV cameras and security the two women ran from the store to a red Mazda saloon, registration P915SMJ, where two "dark haired" men were waiting in the front seats.

Police spokesman Richard Bull said: "We advise shoppers to be alert and to be very careful about their bags when shopping, ensuring that handbags and shopping bags are not left open as a tempting and easy target for opportunist thieves.

"It also makes sense to be wary of strangers who endeavour to distract shoppers by engaging them in conversation, or who take a keen interest in a shopper's handbag or shopping bag."

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the store at around 11am last Friday, or who saw or knows the whereabouts of the red Mazda. Witnesses should call the police on 08457 444 888.