Two women are wanted after a man had £1,000 taken by a child after being followed from Preston to Blackburn.

A 44-year-old man from Blackburn took out money from the Co-Op in Church Street in Preston city centre.

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He took the bus back to Blackburn and after visiting the HSBC branch in the town noticed the four-figure sum had been taken.

Lancashire Police say after viewing CCTV the money was taken by a girl, aged between seven to nine, from the victim’s trolley in the HSBC branch.

Police claim the two women were instructing the girl.

PC Josh Boswell, of Blackburn Police, said: “This is a shocking crime where a man has been targeted by two women for his money.

“The pair appear to have followed the victim from Preston to Blackburn before using a child to take the cash.

“It is vital we identify the women pictured who we believe can assist with our enquiries.

“If you recognise them, please call police immediately.”

Read more: Suspected fraud at bank in Bamber Bridge

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 or email 5004@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0867 of October 15.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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