A MAN stole cash from an elderly woman after pretending that an ATM was broken.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses of the robbery, which happened in Thame on Thursday.

The victim, a 74-year-old woman, was withdrawing cash from the Lloyds bank ATM in Cornmarket.

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A man approached her at about 10.35am and leant across her, telling her the cash machine was not working.

He then left in the direction of Rooks Lane and the victim realised an 'amount' of money was missing, police said.

The force did not specify how much was stolen.

It has been asked to clarify why the incident is being treated as robbery, which is theft involving force or threat of force.

The man is described as black, around 6ft tall, who looked to be aged between 30 to 40 years old.

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He had a medium build, black curly hair and a full black beard, and was wearing a black anorak coat and black trousers. 

Designated Investigator Rebekah Kent, based at Abingdon police station, said: "I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who recognises the description of this offender to come forward."

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference number 43200025493.