WIDNES police are hunting a man in connection with a "despicable" con-style burglary in which two men stole cash from a Hough Green pensioner.

The burglary happened in Dunsford on Wednesday afternoon at 3.30pm when a man knocked on the door of his 79-year-old victim and told her he had come to turn her water off as there had been a leak down the road.

The woman, who lives alone, let him in, leaving her front door open.

The man began working under the kitchen sink and kept the pensioner occupied, while his accomplice slipped in through the front door and went upstairs.

The second man stole a quantity of cash and some personal papers from a cash box in an upstairs bedroom.

The victim went upstairs and disturbed the burglar, asking him what he was doing.

He replied that he was looking for a tap. Both then fled.

Det Con Andy Garner said: "Any crime against the elderly and vulnerable is despicable.

"We are doing everything we possibly can to catch the perpetrators."

The victim had a measure of compensation when two local businesses gave her a hamper and flowers to cheer her up.

Det Con Garner advised all people to ensure that they asked callers for identification and checked with their company before allowing them in.

Both men spoke were white and had soft, Irish accents.

The first man was aged between 20 and 25 and about 5ft 2ins tall.

He was of average build, clean-shaven and had light brown, straight hair. He was wearing a blue tracksuit.

Anyone who has any information on this crime, or the man pictured above, is asked to call case officers Det Con Andy Garner or Con Paul Fitton on 01244 613749. All calls will be treated confidentially

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