POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down a conman involved in a theft at the home of an elderly woman.

The man struck at about 4pm on Monday but details of the incident were only released yesterday.

The conman approached the 84-year-old woman at her home in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, and offered to do work on her drive.

She refused but the man persisted and made his way into her bedroom, where he took her purse and a small amount of money.

The man is described as about 5ft 9ins, of stocky build and fair hair. He was wearing a fawn waist-length top.

Detective Constable Gary Treweek said: "It's not so much what was stolen that concerns me, but the very fact that someone has bullied their way into an old person's home in the first place. It is despicable."

Witnesses should contact police on (01609) 789452.