POLICE have slammed as 'disgusting and callous' a bogus caller who duped a man in his 90s out of hundreds of pounds in cash.

Police are appealing for information after the incident in Gateshead.

Between 12.15pm and 1pm on Monday, September 7, a man knocked on the door of an address in Saint Cuthbert's Court and told the elderly occupant that he was from the council.

He managed to get inside the property and told the resident he had been sent by the council to check on the man's heaters.

While inside the address he searched the property and stole hundreds of pounds in cash. The victim noticed the money missing and reported it to police.

The offender is described as being in his late 20s, around 6ft to 6ft 2ins tall and of slim build. He had short hair and was wearing grey coloured workmen's clothing.

Enquiries are ongoing into the burglary and the victim is being supported by the police and his family.

Gateshead Inspector Lee Gosling said: "This is a disgusting crime where a callous and heartless thief has tricked his way into the home of an elderly and vulnerable man and stole a lot of money.

"He has preyed on the fact the man is elderly and used this to his advantage - tricking him into thinking that he was there from the council.

"It's unbelievable to think there is people out there who would stoop this low to make some money, and it's important that we catch him as soon as possible.

"I'd ask anyone with any information - anyone who might have seen the man, or had the man at their door around the same time, to contact us and pass on any details they might remember. It's so important that we get this man stopped now before he targets anyone else.

"The victim in this incident is in his 90s and suffers from dementia, and although has a good support network of family and friends, the thief was still able to strike.

"We need friends, family, neighbours to look after the elderly and vulnerable and make sure they know what to look for if cold callers or people claiming to be from the council come knocking.

"Please pass on crime prevention advice to anyone who you think might need it and help us stop things like this from happening."

Anyone with information into this crime is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference number 438 08/09/15 or by ringing the Independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Useful crime prevention advice around stopping bogus callers can be found at www.northumbria.police.uk