AN ELDERLY couple yesterday described their devastation after bogus callers stole their savings.

Two men claiming to be water board officials called at the house in John Reid Road, South Shields, on Wednesday between 12.50pm and 1.20pm.

While one kept the couple occupied, the other ransacked the house.

The pair made off with what police described as a substantial amount of cash.

One of the victims, a 76-year-old man, said: "It has left me absolutely shaken."

Both the men wore dark jumpers and light-coloured shirts. One was smaller than the other and had a goatee beard and a moustache.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555, extension 65144.