AN elderly woman who thought a thief had stolen her handbag has praised two officers after they went to her assistance.

PC Gary Pethick and PCSO Daryl Waddell leapt into action after the woman reported her bag containing her purse with bank and credit cards and cash missing.

The two officers from the Taunton town centre policing team immediately contacted her bank to cancel her cards so no-one could withdraw any money from her account.

They then got in touch with the CCTV control room to retrace her steps and see if she had been targeted by a thief.

After failing to spot any crime against her, they drove her home, where - you’ve guessed it - they discovered her bag.

Insp Bob Muckett, of Taunton Police, said: “This shows the caring side of these officers in going to the assistance of a vulnerable elderly woman and their concerted effort with our CCTV partners.

“The woman wrote in to praise the officers and to say how kind they were.

“She said they dealt with the situation in a firm manner and with a sense of humour that was reassuring.”