THIEVES stole £200 after conning their way into a pensioner's home - and offered her a box of chocolates for her kindness.

The two, posing as delivery men, told the 80-year-old widow they wanted to leave a parcel for a neighbour at her home at Bowburn, Durham City.

The woman, who lives alone, invited the crooks inside for a cup of tea, and when one went to use the toilet, he stole cash from two purses in the living room.

As the thieves left, they promised they would return with the chocolates to repay the woman's kindness. When she went to her living room she realised her savings were gone.

Durham City police are investigating the theft, which happened shortly before 1.30pm yesterday at the house near Bowburn Infant School, Wylam Street.

PC Mick Donnelly described the offer of the box of chocolates as "unnecessary and insulting".

He said the men, in their mid-twenties, had no regard for the misery they had caused their victim, who had only recently been released from hospital.

Investigators have confirmed that a number of people were in the area of Bowburn Infant School at 1.15pm, just before the theft.

PC Donnelly said: "It's possible the men might have been seen by people who were going about their business in and around the school at that time, and we would very much like to hear from them."

The men, who looked alike, are described as 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in, of proportionate build and spoke with a local accent.

They had mousey to brown hair and were wearing dark clothes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham City police on 0191-386 4222.