DETECTIVES are hunting a thief who tricked his way into an 88-year-old woman's home and stole money from her purse.

The stranger called at the address, a flat in Frome House, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, at 2.25pm on Tuesday.

He engaged the woman in conversation, pretending to be looking for another resident, while he stole her money and then left through a door leading onto The Vale, at the junction with Keith Road.

Detective Constable Lee Morgan, from the burglary squad of Middlesbrough Police, said: "The incident has left the lady very distressed, due to the fact a stranger has been able to invade her home while she was present and steal from her.

"I would appeal for anyone in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who has any information about who the man was, to come forward."

The suspect is described as 20, white, 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in, slim, and clean-shaven, with a thin face. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a blue V-neck jumper and carrying a cardboard box.

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Morgan on 01642-303260, or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.