Elderly shoppers are being warned to be on their guard against a trio of professional female pickpockets operating in Eastbourne town centre.

In most cases one member of the gang distracts their victim by striking up a conversation while an accomplice unzips their handbag and removes the purse.

Police have stepped up patrols to catch the group, who have been responsible for seven thefts in the last ten days.

Officers hope CCTV footage of the Terminus Road area, where most of the incidents took place, will help them identify the gang.

Two members of the group are Asian, about 5ft tall, in their early twenties and of medium build. The third woman is white, about 5ft tall, of medium build with blond frizzy hair.

Police say they don't know whether the women are from the Eastbourne area.

Eastbourne's borough commander, Chief Inspector Martin Stevens, said: "These are despicable crimes which are being committed by, we believe, a professional team of pickpockets.

"We have unleashed a range of tactics designed to both prevent and detect such incidents. The most visible of all is increasing our presence on the streets around Eastbourne town centre."

Women are advised to carry their bags across their chest and bury their purses at the bottom. Men are also advised to keep their wallets in their inside top pockets.

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.