A SMARTLY dressed thief tricked his way into a Hartlepool house and stole a purse.

The man entered a house in Clarkson Court, minutes after being chased away from another property in the street.

Just after 3pm, on Thursday, the man walked into a house and told the owner he was looking for someone called Jean.

The owner was suspicious and called the police after she chased him away. Minutes later he was seen coming out of another house in the street and a purse was found to be missing.

The man had brown hair, thick lips and a pointed nose. He wore a navy pinstripe suit and a chunky watch. Anyone with information should call (01642) 302107.