A PENSIONER was robbed of her handbag after mistaking the occupants of a red car for her friends.

The 74-year-old woman was waiting to be picked up by companions in the communal area of flats at Savoy Court in Cross Street, Whitefield, when the car drew up outside.

The elderly woman opened the main door of the flats. As she did this, a man, who was outside, pushed her shoulder, causing her to lose her balance.

He then grabbed her handbag and sprinted into the front nearside passenger door of the red car which drove off at speed. The handbag contained cash, spectacles and other items. Police have issued an appeal for witnesses following the robbery last Saturday at 1.55pm..