A 96-year-old woman has suffered a double blow after twice being targeted by thieves in just two weeks.

Maude Herring, who lives in Beckenham, received a suspicious call three weeks ago before a courier arrived to ask for her bank cards.

The shameless scammer took the bank and pension cards before withdrawing a total of £1,100.

Mrs Herring’s daughter, Anne Marie Lloyd, 56, said her mum has not been able to get her savings back from the bank.

She told News Shopper: “I can’t get over the fact that someone would see an elderly person and just rob them.

“I know people are desperate, and maybe I am being naïve, but it is depressing.”

Things went from bad to worse for Ms Herring on June 14 when she had her purse pouch snatched in Sainsbury’s in Beckenham High Street.

A total of £80 was taken as well as rosary beads and photos of her late husband, late son and daughter.

Her daughter said: “It is horrible. I do my best to keep her focused on nicer things. She is quite resilient.

“She is obviously upset but it is more shock than anything. It would be nice if we could get the photos back through some human kindness – they are of no use to anybody.

"I stressed to her that this could happen to anybody. She knows she wasn't just singled out. We have a cup of tea and put things in perspective."

Mrs Lloyd added that she hoped the bank would reverse its decision so her mum could at least get her money returned.

A spokesman for Met Police told News Shopper they were called to Beckenham High Street to reports of a handbag being nicked last Thursday.

He added: "No arrests have been made. Officers have investigated all available lines of enquiry and at this time the investigation has concluded."

The Met asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101.