ELDERLY sisters have been duped out of cash by two conmen posing as water board officials.

The bogus callers targeted the sisters, who are aged 97 and 98 and live together near to the shopping centre in Stockton Heath, on Friday morning.

Posing as workers from North West Water, the men said there had been a leak in the area and told the women that they needed to carry out routine checks.

One of the conmen distracted the sisters whilst his accomplice rummaged through their handbags and ransacked their bedrooms before making off with more than £100 cash.

DC Bill Merrill from Warrington CID said: "It seems they may have been targeted because of their age. "This is a very callous incident. They have deliberately preyed on elderly residents who have trusted these men.

"Plenty of people must have been around the shopping area and they may have seen these men."

The first man was dressed in a dark suit and aged between 20 and 30 years.

His accomplice was white, 5ft 6ins tall, thin build with short fair hair. He was wearing a white shirt and dark trousers.

Anyone with information can call DC Merrill on 01244 613867.

North West Water is warning customers to check for identification at all times. Carole Lindberg, services manager, said: "Our staff will always show their identification card and will not mind at all if they are asked to wait outside.

"For extra security, customers can also register a password by calling 0845 746 1100."

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