AN 84-YEAR-OLD woman was left shaken after a man forced his way into her home, posing as a workman.

The Darlington pensioner answered her door to the bogus caller at about 1pm on Tuesday.

He said he needed to check her water supply and pushed his way in when she refused entry.

He kept her talking in the kitchen while an accomplice went upstairs and began ransacking a bedroom.

"The woman heard noises, went upstairs and then showed them the door, at which point she saw another male outside" said Detective Constable Hannah Bell, of Darlington Police."

One of the men, who police have released an e-fit likeness of, had a distinctive scar running from his right temple to his mouth.

He was between 20 and 30, about 5ft 7in, clean shaven, with short, dark hair and was wearing a dark sweatshirt, blue jeans and black shoes. He spoke with a Teesside accent.

The second was between 25 and 30, about 5ft 6in, with a thin face and pointed chin, clean shaven, of slim build and wearing a bobble hat. The third male was 16 or 17, about 5ft, with a dark complexion.

A black saloon car was seen in the area at the time of the incident and detectives are keen to speak to anyone who saw it. Call them on (01325) 742111.

Police are warning pensioners to be on their guard because this is the second incident involving bogus callers in Darlington this week.

"This is the time of year when these kind of people often prey on the vulnerable so people need to be alert," said Det Con Bell.