A 72-YEAR-OLD man was left in tears after conmen stole his money, leaving him unable to buy food.

However, a supermarket came to the rescue by providing him with a food hamper to tide him over.

Police are appealing for information to catch the two men who preyed on the pensioner, at Elm Close, Teesville, near Normanby.

The two criminals had posed as water company officials to trick their way into the pensioner's sheltered accommodation at about 12.15pm on Tuesday, February 4. They quickly disappeared with the contents of the OAP's wallet.

When the victim discovered the theft he was too distressed and confused to call the police and began wandering the streets.

Eventually, he managed to stop a police car, whereupon he collapsed, sobbing on the roadside.

When visited by police, the pensioner was still distraught.

The officers realised that he had very little food in the house after being robbed of his cash, so they approached the local Kwik Save supermarket.

Within 30 minutes store workers had made up a food hamper and delivered it to the man's home.

Detective Constable Peter Clifford said: "I've had 30 years service and you would think you would become battle-hardened, but it still amazes me how callous people can be.

"I wouldn't even call them criminals, they're lower than that. They are cowards and scavengers.

"They had left this man with 90p to last for a week until his next pension payout. He had bills to pay and had no food in the house.

"When I called round the next day he jumped out of his skin until I calmed him down. He was still worried he'd have to pay for the groceries from Kwik Save.

"With younger people, a burglary can knock them sideways a bit, but for someone older, who is all alone, it can badly affect the standard of their life for the rest of their days.

"I'm just grateful the local Kwik Save helped restore this man's faith in humanity a little."

One of the bogus callers is about 6ft, in his mid-30s with black hair. He wore a dark coat and trousers. The second is about 5ft 6in with dark hair. He wore dark clothes.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Det Con Clifford on (01642) 302626