TWO men pretending to be police officers have targeted the elderly in Middlesbrough.

An 84-year-old woman had a "substantial amount of cash" stolen from her home in one incident in the Aldergrove Drive area of Easterside, at 5.30pm yesterday (Monday).

Two fraudsters claimed to be police officers investigating money-related offences, and asked to check the victim's cash in her home for "authenticity".

They then made off with the cash.

A similar incident was reported yesterday morning (Monday) about 10am after an elderly man claimed people approached his property in the Green Way area of Nunthorpe, also claiming to be police officers, although nothing was taken in the incident.

One of the men is described as being 45 to 50 years old, around 5ft 4ins tall, of big build and with short, dark hair. He was clean shaven, had a round face and was wearing a white shirt and black trousers.

The second male was wearing casual clothing.

Police believe the incidents are connected.

Detective Constable Kevin Carter said: “Legitimate police officers will always produce identification upon request and I would encourage anyone who is uncertain as to the identity of someone in their home is always encouraged to ask for proof of ID and to contact the non-emergency number on 101 before allowing anyone in to their home.

“We have local neighbourhood officers working to reassure the communities in the areas around where these incidents have taken place, but I would ask that members of the public assist us in conveying this message to any vulnerable relatives or neighbours, particularly those who live alone, in order to prevent others falling victim to this kind of crime.”

Anyone with information regarding the suspects described or anyone with information regarding the incidents or any witnesses, are asked to contact DC Kevin Carter from Middlesbrough Volume Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org .