THIEVES stole antique rings and cash after conning their way into a pensioner's home.

A man and a woman called on the 81-year-old at her flat in Oxclose, Washington, Wearside, on Thursday, at about 7.15pm.

The man asked if the elderly woman how she was and if she wanted some roses. His accomplice then asked to use the woman's toilet.

The pensioner showed the younger woman in. After a few minutes, the woman left the toilet and the flat. The pensioner did not see the man again.

Shortly after the woman left, the pensioner realised her handbag was missing from her living room. The bag contained what police described as seven antique rings and a substantial amount of cash.

Police are appealing for information about the incident.

The man is described as aged about 20, 6ft, slim, with mousey hair and a pale complexion. He was wearing a blue jacket.

The woman was in her early 20s, 5ft 7in, with a fresh complexion and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington CID on 0191-454 7555, extension 66447.