HUNDREDS of pounds have been allegedly stolen from a woman yesterday morning.

The 67-year-old woman was allegedly approached by two men whilst sat on a bench outside Debenhams on Stockton High Street at around 7.50am.

One of the men is said to have sat beside the woman and engaged her in conversation to distract her whilst another man stole her purse, containing a large sum of money, from her handbag.

Two 39-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of theft and both remain in custody at this time.

Anyone with information or any witnesses to the incident is asked to contact PC Dave Leen on the non-emergency number 101.