A PENSIONER had her life savings stolen after two men conned their way into her home - claiming to be from the water board.

The pair escaped with thousands of pounds after persuading the 79-year-old that her water supply needed to be turned off and her boiler checked.

Police are hunting the culprits, who struck in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, yesterday morning.

The pensioner was listening to the radio in her home on Woodhouse Close estate when a man in his 30s or 40s appeared at the door.

The man, who did not have a local accent, was smartly dressed in a fawn or khaki waist-length jacket and appeared to be on his own.

He told her he needed to come in to turn off the water supply and followed her into the kitchen, where he filled several dishes and pans of water until the "problem" could be sorted.

He then told her the boiler needed checking and, while he and the pensioner were upstairs, an accomplice rifled through her handbag and a carrier bag which contained the money.

It was only when the second man shouted upstairs the pensioner realised she had been conned and both men fled.

The second man was of similar age to the first one, slightly smaller and stocky. He was wearing a similar jacket.

Detective Constable Phil McElhone said: "The victim was surprised to hear a call from downstairs as she didn't know anyone else was in the house. These conmen will deliberately go for the elderly and the vulnerable.

"We would urge anyone receiving an unexpected call at the door to always ask for identification and if they have any doubts at all, contact the police. Neighbours can also play a big part in keeping an eye on anyone living next door who might be a target."

Witnesses or anyone in the Brooklands area who may have seen something are urged to contact Bishop Auckland CID on 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.