THE family of a pensioner who died hours after being burgled made an emotional appeal for information yesterday.

Sue Hutchinson, 72, sister-in-law of George Sharpe, spoke on behalf of the family at the police station in Peterlee, County Durham.

Forty officers are trying to trace a bogus council worker who tricked his way into Mr Sharpe's home, in Faraday Terrace, Haswell, County Durham, and stole £200 from a drawer.

Three hours after the incident, which happened on Wednesday, the 82-year-old died of a heart attack while he was being comforted by relatives.

The incident was the third time Mr Sharpe, who walked with the aid of two sticks and suffered from a serious heart condition, had been targeted by bogus callers.

Last February, more than £2,000 was stolen from him by a man claiming to be from the water board.

On Sunday, his nephew Laurence Hopkins sent away an intruder who opened the sliding doors to Mr Sharpe's living room.

Mrs Hutchinson, a retired social worker, who was accompanied by Mr Hopkins, said Mr Sharpe was a "real gentleman with a nice sense of humour".

She said: "George was a very trusting man and it would never occur to him to suspect anyone who appeared to be a friendly, genuine caller.

"I speak for George's family and friends - we are all devastated at what has happened and feel angry and distressed that anyone could do such a cruel thing.

"To target an elderly man who could hardly walk, was very frail and unable to defend himself is just beyond belief."

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading the investigation, said that because of the publicity, a shift worker who had said he knew the burglar's identity had been traced and formed part of ongoing inquiries.

He confirmed that the man who called on Wednesday was the same as the Sunday evening intruder, and was being linked with offences in Stockton and Darlington.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0191-586 2621, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.