A "SCRUFFY" man and a woman wearing a headscarf were being hunted by police today after a pensioner was distracted and robbed outside a Salvation Army centre.

The OAP had just withdrawn cash before he returned to his car and placed the money on the passenger seat.

An Asian woman, who wore a colourful head scarf, then approached the victim and asked for directions. She was holding a map.

The pensioner opened the door to speak to the woman in Northcroft Lane, Newbury, when two men appeared to help her.

While in conversation with the woman, the two men walked away from the scene and the victim realised his cash had been taken.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "At about 2pm on Tuesday July 4 the victim, an elderly man, withdrew a quantity of money from Lloyds Bank in Bridge Street before returning to his car parked outside the Salvation Army shop and The Little Bears Nursery in Northcroft Lane.

"A woman holding a map then knocked on the driver's side window of the car asking for directions. The victim opened his door to speak to her.

"During this time one man was stood behind the woman and a second man came over to help shortly after.

"After speaking to the victim the woman and two men walked away together in the direction of Northbrook Street.

"Soon after the victim realised that the money had been stolen."

Officers investigating the shocking distraction theft have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The woman was in her fifties, around 5ft 8ins and spoke with a foreign accent.

The first man was while, in his forties and slim. He was described as scruffy and wearing a blue baseball cap.

The second man was white, stocky and wore a brown trilby style hat with a yellow pullover draped over his shoulders.

Investigating officer, police constable Iain Smith based at Newbury police station said: "I would like to speak to anyone who thinks they may have witnessed this incident or seen the people described in this area around this time.

"I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how small, to contact me via the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101."