POLICE officers have repeated a warning about bogus officials after money was stolen from two Hartlepool pensioners.

In the first incident on Thursday, a 93-year-old man allowed a man and a woman, claiming to be from the water board, into his home in Truro Drive.

When the couple left, the man found that £250 had been stolen.

About an hour later, a man called on a 77-year-old woman from Throston Grange and asked to check her water meter.

While the man talked to the woman, another man entered the house and stole a quantity of money.

The same two men are suspected of trying to break into a flat, in nearby Thornhill Place, on Thursday.

They were disturbed as they tried to force open the front door.

One of the men was described as between 20 and 30-years-old, thick set, 5ft 6in. He wore a flat cap and a black duffle coat.

The other was in his mid-teens, 5ft, skinny, with blond hair. He wore a black coat.

Detective Sergeant Tony Green, of Hartlepool CID, said: "I urge everyone to be vigilant and a little bit sceptical about people who knock on their door.

"Keep the chain on the door and always ask for identification. No identification should equal no entry. If you are at all suspicious, call the police immediately."

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call police on (01642) 326326.