POLICE are appealing for help to trace scam artists who stole a woman's bank card then used it to fraudulently withdraw cash.

They have released CCTV pictures of a couple who conned a 53-years-old woman at the Golborne Asda store in Edge Green Lane, Golborne, at about 1pm on November 14 last year.

The victim was using the self-service checkout when one of the thieves watched her enter her card details into a chip-and-pin device.

She then followed the woman to her car and distracted her by asking for change. While she was trying to find some coins, the woman stole her bankcard and went back to the supermarket.

She handed the card over to her accomplice, who withdrew cash from the victim's account. They then drove off in a red hatchback.

The woman is described as white, in her 30s, about 5ft 10in tall, with black tied-back hair and wearing a black jacket, black skirt and brown scarf. She spoke with an eastern European accent. The man was also white, in his late 30s, about 6ft tall with short black hair and wearing blue jeans and a black V-neck jumper. He is also believed to be eastern European.

PC Ryan Davies said: "It is clear this was a calculated plan. It was a cowardly crime.

"What we now need to do is catch these people and stop them from targeting anyone else. We will pursue them for as long it takes.

"If anyone recognises the people in the stills then please call us at Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.