A WOMAN'S handbag was stolen in a distraction burglary involving a fake 'tourist'.

The victim, aged 60, was at home in the Forest Way area of Christchurch at 3.30pm on Saturday, July 14, when she saw a man walk past her kitchen window towards her back garden.

She went to confront him, but at the front door encountered a woman she said she had been told the address was a bed and breakfast, and when informed she was incorrect asked the victim to write down directions to the nearest such facility.

The victim wrote down the directions and asked where the man had gone. The woman at the door said that he had gone out and then departed.

At 7am the following day the victim realised her handbag was missing.

Dorset Police is seeking information to help its investigation.

The female offender was described as white, of slim build, five feet five inches tall, with medium length light-coloured hair. She was wearing light-coloured clothing, possibly shorts and a vest top. She carried a pink bag over her shoulder.

The male offender was described as six feet tall, of slight build and with short dark hair. He wore a light-coloured or white shirt and dark trousers.

Contact the force on 101 with information quoting reference 55180111352, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.