Thieves stole an 81-year-old woman's purse after distracting her at a shop in Midlothian.

The victim went into the Semichem shop on the High Street in Dalkeith around 12.35pm on Thursday.

She was followed inside by a man and a woman.

The man was able to take the pensioner's purse from a shopping bag while the woman kept her attention.

Both suspects are described as being in their thirties or forties.

The man was around 6ft tall and wore a grey flat cap and a two-tone grey hooded jumper.

The woman wore a black beanie hat and a black jacket.

Police Scotland are appealing for anyone with information on the "despicable" crime to come forward.

Sergeant Michele Lindsay said: "This was a despicable theft, where the elderly victim was clearly targeted by the suspects.

"Anyone who recognises the description of this pair, or who has any information that can assist with our inquiries should contact police immediately."