MEN claiming to be from a local church stole cash from an 83-year-old woman.

The two men, one wearing prayer beads, approached the woman’s home on Walnut Avenue, Weaverham, at about 3.15pm, on Monday, June 22, saying they had connections to a local church.

Once inside her home, one said they had seen a rat in the garden, distracting the homeowner, while the other stole a two-figure sum of money.

Cheshire police spokeswoman Jo Preihs said: “No-one was injured but the woman was left extremely distressed.”

“The first man was white, slightly tanned and unkempt. He was about 21 and about 5’5” tall, of slim build with dark hair.

“He was wearing a black top with rosary beads around his neck, black trousers and light coloured shoes. He spoke with a local accent.

“The second was white, about 23, with a chubby, round face and fair hair. He was wearing a cream, short-sleeved shirt and plain cream trousers.”

Anyone with information should call PC Joanne Wilkinson or DS Darren Massey on 01244 612 592 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.