Police have issued these pictures of three women in the wake of a series of thefts in Wells.

They are trying to identify the women, who they think may be able to help with enquiries into a case of what they describe as a "dipping" theft which occurred at Starbucks coffee shop in Wells on February 4.

A team of women targeted an elderly victim by removing her purse from her handbag without her knowledge.

Two women were responsible for the theft while a third, blonde-haired female used one of the stolen cards at a nearby cashpoint.

There have been numerous similar offences in local charity shops.

Three weeks ago police announced that two Bulgarian women had been arrested in the city following a joint operation by police PCSOs and members of Wells Radiolink.

Locally officers said that they believed the arrests would put a stop to the activities of the two women in the city and across the Mendips, but warned that other pickpockets could still be operating. The two Bulgarian women were arrested on February 4.

Investigations into their backgrounds indicated that they may be wanted by police for hundreds of offences across the South West and south of England.

It was believed the two women were on a day trip from London and visited the city regularly on thieving sprees.

Police have been warning shoppers for several months to keep an eye on purses and bags in the city following a spate of thefts.

Anyone with any information regarding this case should contact Crimestoppers immediately on 0800 555111.