A PENSIONER has been left too scared to go out shopping after becoming the latest victim of cruel purse-pinchers plaguing Hampshire supermarkets.

Today, the 85-year-old told how she had been targeted as she looked at packs of pies on the shelves at Sainsbury's in Bitterne, Southampton.

Wedging himself at her side, a man pointed at the pies and asked what they were like.

While the pensioner was distracted, a female accomplice quickly slipped her hand into her handbag, which was still in the trolley - removing her purse containing around £110.

Ironically, the victim, who had just collected her pension, still had hold of the bag's handles at the time.

It wasn't until she had reached another shopping aisle that she realised what had happened and screamed out for help.

The victim, who asked not to be named, said: "I am an elderly lady and this has frightened me. I am still quite shocked.

"I have arthritis in the back of my neck and couldn't turn round to speak to the man, so I didn't get a good look at him.

"I never saw the woman come up to my trolley either. She must have come from nowhere. It all happened in a split second."

Now the woman is receiving help from Southampton Victim Support scheme and relies on her daughter-in-law to fetch shopping to her West End home.

She said: "I have always been a strong person but I am frightened now. I don't think I will ever be able to go into Bitterne again."

Today, police released CCTV footage of a man and woman believed to have vital information about the theft, which happened around 10.30am on June 13.

PC Andrew Cole, of Bitterne police, leading the investigation, said: "This was a particularly callous offence committed against a vulnerable, elderly victim. We are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man and woman in the CCTV pictures or has other information about the incident."

Call Bitterne police on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.