POLICE are appealing for help to catch two fraudsters who stole a large amount of money from a blind pensioner by asking to pay for repairs they had not done.

The offenders, who were driving a white Ford Transit Van, targeted an 85-year-old man’s home on Southdene Drive in Hemlington, Middlesbrough at about 2pm on Wednesday.

Cleveland Police said in a statement: “The victim is partially blind and is hard of hearing and he handed over his money to the fraudsters after believing they had completed repair work to his house.”

Both of the offenders were wearing hi-viz jackets, one in orange and the other in green.

The male wearing the green jacket was also wearing glasses.

Anyone who may have seen the men described or anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident who may have witnessed anything is asked to contact PC Paul Forbes on the non-emergency 101 number.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org