A gang of con artists is being hunted by police after squirting ink on a man to distract him while they stole £5,000 in cash.

Three women and a man, targeted the 64-year-old after watching him place the money inside his bag at Lloyds TSB on Thursday, August 16.

After leaving the branch in St Georges Road in Wimbledon, the man was followed by the gang into nearby WH Smith, at Wimbledon Bridge.

A man then squirted ink over the victim’s back and told him he had a stain on his coat.

As the victim put his bag on the floor to take off his coat, he was surrounded by the rest of the gang who pretended to help him.

Whilst distracted, a woman stole the money from his bag and the gang then fled into Wimbledon train station.

Moments later the victim realised the money had been stolen and called the police.

Police are specifically looking to speak to 26-year-old Maria Lopez, who was born in Guatemala, who was identified during the course of their enquiries.

Anyone with information about the theft or Ms Lopez should call Merton police on 020 8649 4044, or, anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.