A DOORSTEP fraudster is being hunted after stealing the contents of an elderly woman's handbag.

The woman noticed the man using a tape measure to size up the windows of her home in Ebor Street, York.

He said he was from the council and was measuring up for double glazing and that he would also need to measure inside.

When she allowed him in, he then told her he would need to spray something. He put on a white dust-mask to shield his mouth and nose and got the woman to wait in the kitchen.

She became suspicious and returned to the room, but found the man had taken cash from her handbag and left.

The conman was described as being aged in his early thirties, about 5ft 10in, stocky, with shaven, dark brown hair.

He wore a blue waterproof jacket, dark trousers and a fluorescent yellow reflective vest.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Paul Beckwith at Acomb police station, York, on (01904) 631321