Police have urged shoppers to be on their guard after two women almost fell victim to purse snatchers.

Officers are appealing for the two female shoppers to come forward after they were targeted by thieves while shopping in Harrow.

The first incident occurred in WHSmiths, in St Ann's shopping centre, on February 4 at around 3.10pm.

A man tried to steal a purse that was hanging from a pushchair before the female victim screamed and he ran off.

A second incident occurred in TK Maxx, at St George's shopping centre at around 5.10pm on February 7, as a woman was trying on a dressing gown, and had hung her handbag on a clothes rail.

A man tried to take a purse from the bag but ran off when she screamed. He was chased by a security officer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Tommi Barton from the Metropolitan Police Harrow Town Team on 07825 657975 or the non emergency number 101.