AN elderly woman has had a quantity of cash and valuables stolen after being targeted by bogus officials.

One of the suspects impersonated a water board official to gain access to the victim’s address on Phoenix Walk in Oxbridge, Stockton, on Monday at about 3.40pm.

A man attended the address and asked for permission to access the kitchen to check the pipes and taps. Whilst doing so, a second man let himself into the address and searched for valuables, before the first man made an excuse to leave.

A quantity of cash and jewellery was taken from the address.

The first suspect is described as a white male, about 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall and aged between 30 and 40 years. He was clean shaven and wearing a black jacket with a gold trim and a black hat with gold piping.

The second suspect is described as a white male, about 6ft tall, of stocky build and aged around 30 years. He was wearing a brown jacket and brown peaked hat, possibly a deerstalker type.

Both suspects made off from the address towards the new cycle path towards Laneside Road.

Any witnesses are urged to contact Detective Sergeant Kenny Clark of Stockton CID on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.