More than £800 raised within hours for an 86-year-old woman who had her purse snatched in Lutterworth

More than £800 has been raised within hours for an 86-year-old woman who had her purse snatched by a thief in Lutterworth yesterday (Tuesday).

An incredible £840 had been donated by 2pm this afternoon as the shocked community raced to rally round the distressed elderly victim.

The impressive sum has been hit in less than 24 hours after an online donation page was set up following the theft in Church Street just after midday yesterday.

The pensioner, who had just withdrawn a “substantial amount” of money, was targeted by a man who offered to help her down steps outside Flackies butchers in the town centre.

The thief then grabbed her purse from her trolley and made off with the money she had taken out just moments earlier.

The appeal has been kickstarted by the Good Samaritan who found the woman’s ransacked purse dumped in the verge near Leaders Way.

The big-hearted woman acted in an attempt to replace the cash the pensioner had stolen by the criminal.

But the figure generated has already far topped that – with donations still pouring in.

The amazed victim and her family say they have been “overwhelmed” by the support of the community in the Lutterworth area.

They want to say a big thank you to all who have donated - saying the staggering response proves that “community spirit” is still very much alive.

And the person who launched the fundraiser said: “We’re completely overwhelmed with the support of everyone from our wonderful town!

“Thank you so much, completely lost for words!”

The thief is now being hunted by police as officers appeal for any eye-witnesses to come forward.

“Officers are investigating the theft of a purse from an elderly lady in Lutterworth yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 26 January).

“The victim was in Church Street sometime between 12pm and 12.20pm when she was approached by a man who offered to help her down the steps.

“She later realised that her purse had been stolen from her trolley,” said Leicestershire Police.

“Officers would like to speak to anyone who has any information about the incident or witnessed the theft.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting crime number 21*55768.”

If you would like to support the appeal, you can visit the webpage here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-to-return-jeans-savings-following-theft