Police are warning elderly people in Teesdale to be extra vigilant after two bogus water board officials duped a pair of pensioners into letting them into their homes, making off with hundreds of pounds in cash and jewellery.

The warning comes after two men duped an elderly man and woman, who live in neighbouring flats in Green Lane, Barnard Castle, in County Durham, into their homes.

The two men called at the home of a 78-year-old woman at 4.45pm on Wednesday, claiming they were water board officials and that they needed to check their water supply.

While one of the con-men kept the woman talking, his accomplice searched her ground floor flat, stealing £200 from her handbag, £90 from her bedroom and items of jewellery, including two gold watches.

The pair then made their excuses and left. They then visited a 70-year-old man living in the first floor flat and again claimed they were water board officials who needed to check the water supply.

While one of the bogus callers kept the elderly man talking his accomplice searched the flat and stole £280 from a draw.

The first man, who on both occasions kept the victims talking, is described as being 5ft 7ins, in his early 20s, of slim build with a pale complexion and short dark hair. He was wearing a waist-length black jacket, black trousers and navy woollen gloves.

The second man is described as 5ft 9ins, thick built and in his 40s or 50s. He has dark short hair, greying slightly, with a dark jacket.

A spokesman for Northumbrian Water said: "It's very unlikely for a Northumbrian Water official to ask for access to a customer's home, without contacting them to make a prior arrangement.

"We would urge customers to check identification and moreover we would never pressurise anyone into letting them into their home.

"We have a password scheme for customers and they can also call us to check on a member of staff's identification to make doubly sure they are legitimate Northumbrian Water officials before they let them into their home."

Anyone who spotted the two men on Wednesday or has any information can contact Detective Constable Justin Thornberry, of Barnard Castle CID, on (01833) 637328. . .