A 91-YEAR-OLD woman was so distressed at being duped by conmen that she had to be rushed to hospital.

While recounting her ordeal to detectives, the pensioner, from east Durham, became ill. Last night she was still receiving treatment at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Detective Sergeant Dave Wolfe, of Peterlee CID, said two bogus water company officials had visited the elderly woman's home in Blackhall Rocks, at about 5pm on Tuesday.

The men had distracted their vulnerable victim by asking her to turn on the water taps.

While she was carrying out their request, one of the men went into her bedroom and stole £90 in cash.

Discovering her money had been stolen, the shaken pensioner called the police.

At first, Det Sgt Wolfe feared she might have suffered a heart attack. Although she was said to be was still poorly last night, it was believed that she had not suffered a coronary.

The two bogus officials later tried the same tactics on the woman's next-door neighbours, but were refused entry.

Det Sgt Wolfe said it was not uncommon for the health of elderly victims to deteriorate rapidly after such crimes.

The first thief is described as about 5ft 10in, clean shaven, with short, dark hair. He was smartly dressed and believed to be in his late-30s or early-40s. He had a distinctive Irish accent. The second, shorter man, had a shock of dark, wavy hair. He was also in his late-30s and wore white overalls.

Det Sgt Wolfe reiterated the police warning to elderly people not to let anyone into their homes unless they were known to them.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0191-586 2621.