An elderly woman has had her purse stolen by a cruel thief who asked for directions - to FRANCE.

The 85-year-old victim was distracted by the bizarre request for directions to the continent in Sittingbourne High Street.

As the kindly local woman put down her handbag to begin writing directions yesterday afternoon, her purse was taken.

It contained £50 she had just withdrawn from a cash machine and several bank cards – two of which were then used to withdraw a total of £500.

The woman had visited a bank in the High Street at about 2.30pm.

She then returned to her vehicle in a car park at a supermarket in the Avenue of Remembrance when she was approached by the man.

After handing him a piece of paper with her directions to France, she later told police she spotted an accomplice standing nearby who was grinning.

Kent Police said the men are described as white, with one in his 30s with dark brown hair. He was well-dressed in navy trousers and jacket.

The other man was around 60, of heavy build and was wearing a khaki overcoat.

DC Karen Caulfield, from Kent Police, said: "This was an underhanded theft on a vulnerable victim. I'm eager to hear from anybody who may have noticed either of these men.

"I'd like to remind people to take extra care when withdrawing money at public cashpoints – you never know who could be watching you enter your PIN. Often thieves will try to distract you while they or an accomplice steal your belongings. If you are in any way suspicious of somebody, call Kent Police immediately."

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone police on 101 - quoting crime reference XY/9419/13 - Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.