Officers investigating two distraction bag thefts within the space of an hour have issued CCTV images of two people they would like to speak to.

Stroud News and Journal:

A woman aged in her 90s had been in a pub in Birdlip when her handbag was stolen while she was distracted and tending to her elderly partner.

Stroud News and Journal:

Her large black leather handbag and some of its contents were of sentimental value and we are appealing for anyone who may have found it discarded to please contact police.

In a second incident shortly before 2pm on the same day a woman's back pack was taken from the back of her chair while in a cafe in Gloucester.

Stroud News and Journal:

Investigating officers would now like to speak to the man and woman pictured in connection with both incidents.

Independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call police on 101 and reference incident 217 of 20 January.