THREE men who conned homeowners out of hundreds of pounds and tried to trick an elderly Alzheimer's sufferer are being hunted by police.

The bogus callers gained access to three homes in Darlington, stealing cash from two of them.

At the third property, the homeowner's care assistant became suspicious and they left.

The men called at two flats in William Street, between 3pm and 4pm on Thursday, claiming they had come to investigate problems with the water supply.

On each occasion, one man distracted the occupier while the other two searched the premises, stealing a total of £400.

At 7.15pm, three men visited the home of an 86-year-old woman, who has Alzheimer's, in Malvern Crescent.

They made references to gardening work which needed carrying out and two men searched the house.

They were forced to leave when they were challenged by a care assistant, who came to call on the woman.

One suspect, who left by the back door, is described as being between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in, with a moustache and dark, greasy hair. He was wearing a bomber jacket, dark shirt and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Mark Eglington or Detective Constable Danny Townsend on 0845 606 0365.

The Northern Echo launched its Doorstoppers campaign last year, aiming to raise awareness of the problems of bogus callers.