A PENSIONER targeted by thieves has branded the pickpockets as "scumbags".

The 75-year old lost her purse containing around £140 in cash in the city centre between Nat West and Cook, on St George's Street.

She is warning others to beware in the run-up to Christmas that will see increased numbers of people in the High Street area.

"I walk with a stick and also had it done to me in 2006. This last time was on Friday at 4pm. I can't say exactly where as they were very quick about it.

"It is the nuisance of it more than anything. I want to warn people that the scumbags are about. People shouldn't carry any more money than they need to. I just feel sick that they focus on the elderly and infirm."

The thieves attempted to use her credit card unsuccessfully in Debenhams and Santander, but not her contactless bank card.