A PENSIONER who was running errands was targeted by fraudsters who made threats and followed her into her home.

The woman, who is in her late 70s, was left extremely distressed following the incident, which saw her hand over a quantity of cash.

She was doing errands in Thornaby on Tuesday morning when she was approached by a man who claimed she owed him money for window cleaning.

Read more: Man reported to have attempted to sexually assault woman in Hartlepool

It happened in Thornaby Road, between 11.30am and 12noon.

The man then made threats and said he would call police if she did not pay. 

The pensioner then walked to Martinet Court but was followed by this man and another male, who both went into her house.

The victim handed over some money but they demanded more, whereupon she asked them to leave.

Officers from Thornaby Stockton CID are appealing for information to assist with their investigation.

One of the men is described as white, 5’8”-5’ 9” tall, 30 years old, clean shaven, with light brown hair in a neat hair style. He was of medium build and had a local accent. He was wearing a black jacket with a lime green top underneath and dark trousers.

The second man was described as white, taller than the first male and wearing a blue coloured fleece.

Police believe a third man may have been present, in a white van, possibly a Ford Transit Connect with ladders or a roof rack.

Detective Inspector Louise Sproson said: “This incident has left the victim extremely distressed and I’d urge anyone who saw these men in the Thornaby Road/Martinet Court area on Tuesday morning, or anyone with dashcam or cctv footage to contact Stockton CID as soon as possible via the 101 number, quoting ref 190660.”

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.

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