Police ask: Did you see theft at cashpoint?

POLICE are appealing for help after a mugger snatched hundreds of pounds from an Ormskirk pensioner at a cash machine in the town centre.

The 68-year-old woman was withdrawing £300 when a man, who had been waiting behind her, made attempts to distract her.

A couple stepped in to help, but the thief was able to grab the money and make off with it.

The incident happened at the Barclays Bank ATM, in the pedestrian footway connecting Aughton Street and Moorgate at 11am on June 1.

The offender is described as having a tanned complexion, being of medium build and clean-shaven. He was wearing a dark baseball cap and light trousers.

In February, another woman was robbed at the same cash machine, with CCTV released of that incident.

The couple who stepped in to help are also being sought, as they may have information that could help police with their inquiries.

They are described as white and possibly aged in their 50s.

The man is described as being of large build, with short, receding, brown hair. He was wearing a pale blue shirt, grey trousers and black and white shoes. He was walking a small, black and white dog.

His female partner was slim and was wearing a red cardigan, white T-shirt, grey trousers and black slip-on shoes.

She was carrying a black and white over-the-shoulder bag.

Det Con Martin Sullivan, of West Lancashire CID, said: “I am keen to speak to anyone who has information about this incid-ent and would particularly like to trace the middle-aged couple who provided some muchappreciated assistance to the victim.

“I would urge anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 1609 of June 1, 2016.