A police appeal has been launched after an 87-year-old woman had £200 stolen at a cash point.

The incident took place at HSBC on Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, on Tuesday, April 14 at approximately 1pm.

The victim was withdrawing money from the cash point when she was approached and distracted by a woman.

She went to report it to the bank, having been a victim of a similar crime before, at which point the money was stolen from the machine.

PC Paul Francis from the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Potters Bar is investigating and said: “This is a despicable crime with the offender preying on a vulnerable 87-year-old. This has been particularly distressing for the victim who has previously been a victim of this crime before.

"I would be keen to speak to the pictured woman as she was near the cashpoint at the time of the offence and may have information that could help our investigation.

“I would also like to speak to anyone else who may have been a victim of the same type of incident to contact me if they haven’t already done so.”

People can contact PC Francis by calling 101, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.