AN elderly couple fell foul of callous doorstep conmen posing as water board engineers.

Police have appealed for information following the latest heartless distraction burglary, in which a 92-year-old man and his 96-year-old housebound wife were the inadvertent victims of bogus officials.

The husband answered a call at the couple's home, in Langley Moor, near Durham, to a man in his 20s who claimed to be from the water board.

He asked if he could enter the house to check water pressure. He was told that a fish tank was to be installed further down the street and there may be blue dye appearing in the water in the area.

While the first man was running the water taps downstairs, an accomplice entered through the unlocked front door and crept upstairs, where he found the couple's Post Office savings book and £70 in cash. He left the house, went round to the back and indicated to his partner that it was time to leave.

It was only then that the male householder went upstairs and discovered the money and savings book were missing.

The younger man is about 6ft, well-built, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a multi-coloured jumper. His accomplice is in his 40s, about 5ft 6in, of stocky build.

Police have appealed for information from anyone who may have seen the pair in the vicinity, on the main A690 Langley Moor to Nevilles Cross road,near the time of the incident, at 4pm on Tuesday.

Detective Sergeant Tony Dumighan, of Durham CID, said: "Once again, we are having to deal with vulnerable people who have been deliberately targeted by these criminals. Our message stays the same: don't let any unexpected callers come into your house unless they can prove who they are, and where they are from."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham CID, on 0191-386 4222, or the free-phone Crimestoppers' line, on 0800 555111.