TWO conmen tricked their way into the home of a recently widowed pensioner and stole cash from her handbag.

Detective sergeant Matt Mason, of Hartlepool police, said the thieves were despicable and said they appeared to have targeted the woman.

The crime took place at the woman's home in Queensberry Avenue, Hartlepool, between 2pm and 3pm on Wednesday.

The men posed as council employees and said they were involved in sewerage work.

Det Sgt Mason said: "This lady was left very shocked and shaken.

"The people who commit this kind of crime are simply despicable. We want to hear from anyone in that area between 2pm and 3pm."

One of them was in his late teens, about 5ft 3ins, and wore a long-sleeved sweatshirt and jeans. The other was in his early 20s, about 5ft 7ins, and wore similar clothes.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on (01642) 302126.