Police searching for woman after reports Aberdeen pensioner was the victim of extortion

Police are looking for a woman in her late 20s after reports a woman in Aberdeen was the victim of extortion.

It allegedly happened on several occasions between Wednesday, 17 June, and Tuesday, 7 July, on King Street when the elderly victim was approached by a woman asking for money. 

They were then taken to an ATM at the junction with Urquhart Road and allegedly hounded into withdrawing cash and handing it over.

It's thought a total of around £5,000 has been withdrawn over the period. 

The female suspect is described as white, in her late 20s, gaunt with long brown hair, sometimes worn in a pony-tail, and wears casual clothing.  

Constable Louise Calder, of Queen Street Police Office, said: "This has been a traumatising experience for the elderly woman who was subjected to ongoing harassment from the suspect. She is being supported by her family and our officers.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the King Street area between these dates and witnessed an elderly woman being approached by or withdrawing money whilst next to a woman matching the suspect's description to get in touch.

"Have you been approached by a woman in the city centre matching this description asking for money? If so, we would also like to hear from you.

"We want to make sure that the people in our communities are kept safe and informed and I would urge you to speak to elderly or vulnerable family and friends to advise them of these types of incidents and reduce the likelihood of them becoming a victim.

"Anyone with information in connection with this is asked to contact police on 101, quoting the reference CF0149680720. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."