A TRIO of thieves ran off after being disturbed while attempting to burgle an elderly woman's home.

The men had conned their way into the 75-year-old Darlington woman's home, pretending to be from the water company.

After being told the men needed to enter the home to switch off the water in the bathroom and in the kitchen, the woman let them in.

But when she went upstairs to check on them, she found they were searching through her bedroom for items to steal.

The woman started shouting at the thieves and they ran out of the house, in Welbeck Avenue, and made off towards Salters Lane.

Darlington police say a purse and its contents were stolen in the incident, which happened about noon yesterday.

Detective Constable Peter Eddy, of Darlington police, said: "It is believed that, with the time of day and other people being in the street, they may well have been seen running away from the premises."

One of the thieves was described as aged about 18, of thin build, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a navy pullover and dark trousers.

Another was in his early 20s, and was wearing a blue pullover. The third man, who was of a similar age, wore a grey and blue jumper and blue jeans.

Anyone with information can contact police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.