Three people are due in court today – Monday - after they targeted an elderly woman near Richmond Station.

The three people are accused of stealing £2,000 in cash from the woman's handbag and is the latest in a series of thefts involving groups of sophisticated pickpocket gangs in Richmond town centre.

There has been a large number of reports on social media of pickpocketing attacks in supermarkets and at café tables in the borough with purses and mobile phones being snatched.

British Transport Police said: "Richmond Proactive Team attended Richmond Station this afternoon (Friday) after a call that an elderly victim had her handbag dipped and £2,000 stolen.

"The team quickly detained and searched the suspects and recovered the victim's money. Three arrested for conspiracy to steal."

They added: "All three persons that the Richmond Proactive Team arrested at Richmond Station yesterday on behalf of Metropolitan Police Richmond have all been charged with theft and will stay in custody until Monday morning court. "