A QUICK-thinking pensioner foiled an attempted distraction burglary when a conman tried to trick his way into her home.

The man tried to convince the 76-year-old woman that he had spotted two youths running away after stealing cash from her home in Stockton.

He wanted the pensioner to let him into her home in the Oxbridge area of the town to check to see if the youths had stolen anything.

However, the householder became suspicious and refused to allow him in at about 5.30pm on Sunday.

PC Rachael Forbes said: "Luckily, this woman was astute and managed to pick up the warning signs of this scam. I would ask all pensioners to be vigilant if faced with a similar situation.

"Please don't let strangers into your home - if in doubt keep them out."

The man is described as white, early 20s, 5ft 7in, with a slight build and short, dark brown hair, which was longer at the front and sides. He was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with dark vertical stripes, grey trousers, had a musky smell and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Forbes on 01642-302226 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.