AN 84-YEAR-OLD woman had her handbag snatched by a man who knocked on her door asking for a glass of water.

She had just returned to her house in Hazelbrouck Gardens at around 2pm last Thursday, after a shopping trip to Fencepiece Road when the thief struck.

He said his girlfriend lived across the road but she was not in and could he have a glass of water as he was thirsty. She told him to wait at the door before returning with a glass of water that he drank. He then asked whether she had any painkillers as he had a headache but when she said no, he grabbed her purse and ran off towards New North Road.

Police are looking for a man described as around 20 years old, 5ft 6ins tall, Asian, with short, dark brown hair.

Anyone with information should call PC Mark Healey at Ilford police on 8345 2667.