DETECTIVES are looking for a man who tried to swindle money from an elderly stroke victim.

A police spokesman said the 73-year-old woman, who lives in a detached home in North Magdalene, Medomsley, near Consett, had suffered two strokes - the most recent a year ago leaving her with speech and mobility problems.

She was confronted at 4pm on Tuesday by a young man who came in through the rear garden and made his way into the house through the unlocked front door.

The intruder, who appeared to be in his early 20s, told the householder she had won prizes in a church raffle and would need to write down her name and address on a piece of paper.

When he realised she was unable to do this because of her condition he asked where she kept her pension book.

The victim said it was at her son's house, at which point the intruder got up and left. Nothing appeared to be stolen.

The man had a tanned appearance, cropped dark brown hair and was clean shaven, with a thin face.

He wore a blue round-necked T-shirt.

Two young men were seen leaving the rear of the house running towards the main road.

They were described as 17 to 18. One had spiky, gelled hair and wore a blue fleece while the other had short black hair and a black fleece.

Anyone with information has been asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the police on 0191-375 2811.