A PENSIONER had money stolen from his account as he used a cash machine in a town market place.

Police in Barnard Castle believe the elderly man was approached by an unknown man who told him the cash machine at Barclays Bank, in Market Place, was not working properly.

He proceeded to input his pin number before the man stepped in front, requested money from his account and then fled the scene.

Barnard Castle Neighbourhood Inspector Edward Turner said: “This is a shocking incident in which someone has preyed on an elderly man.

"We need the help of the public to identify this man and we would also like to hear from anyone else who may have been subjected to the same scam.”

The man is described as in his late 20s, early 30s, of stocky build and it is believed he may have fled in a small blue car.

Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the suspected theft.

Call 101 with details, quoting incident reference 257 of December 5.