TWO elderly ladies were targeted by bogus officials on the same day in Darlington.

A woman in her eighties allowed a man claiming to be from the water board into her home in Brougham Street at 4pm on Tuesday.

While he kept her occupied by turning on taps in the utility room, another man searched the house for valuables. Nothing was taken but the pensioner called police after realising her belongings had been disturbed.

The second incident happened minutes later in Gouldsmith Gardens. A 77-year-old woman answered the door to a man claiming he needed to turn the water on in her house. She refused him entry.

PC Louise Guest, of Darlington police, said the same culprits were likely to be responsible for both incidents.

"Both victims were females living alone and we believe they were specifically targeted," she said.

She urged householders not to allow people into their homes without first asking for identification.

One of the men is white, aged about 20, 5ft 6in with a fresh complexion. He was clean shaven, had dark hair, dark eyes and spoke with a soft Irish accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Guest on (01325) 361351.