A 79-year-old Good Samaritan had his pension stolen by a pair of callous pickpockets after he was tricked into stopping to help them after one dropped some of his own cash.

The Harold Wood man fell victim to the two while he queued at a busy bus stop at Mercury Gardens, Romford, at 1pm last Friday.

His pension, £300 in £10 notes was stolen after he bent over to help one of the younger of the two men to pick up his dropped cash.

Though he felt the second suspect behind him he did not notice his wallet had gone until he was on the bus. He told police the two scruffy looking suspects, who both had Irish accents, had waited at the stop for about 15 minutes asking people for the times of the buses.

After pickpocketing his cash the twosome walked off quickly in the direction of the Market Place, Romford.

Now Romford police believe it may be connected to a similar incident which also happened at around the same time at a bus stop in St. Edwards Way, Romford.

Sgt Rose Crompton of Romford police station said: "Both incidents were very similar, so it may be the case that we are dealing with a team of pickpockets, possibly from the same family."

The first suspect is described as 35-years-old, white, 5ft 8in tall and of proportionate build, with short light brown hair and very scruffy clothing. His companion is 50, also 5ft 8in with short light brown hair and scruffy clothes.

Both had soft Irish accents and looked similar as if they were related.

Anybody with information can contact the Romford Crimedesk on 01708 779243 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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