A 90-year-old woman was targeted in her house by a female crook who conned her way into her home and stole her handbag.

The elderly victim believed the thief was a warden when she visited her home in the Wolverham estate area of Ellesmere Port, say police.

She let her into the house, but later discovered her handbag was missing.

Police are now appealing for information following the ‘distressing crime’ which happened between 9am-2.15pm on Friday (November 21).

PC Steven McCabe, from Ellesmere Port and Neston Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “Distraction burglaries such as this are often distressing crimes. Offenders target victims in the one place they should feel safest – in their own home.

“We are doing all we can to trace those responsible and are appealing for any information from the local community, which might assist with our enquiries. Even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case.”

Officers are currently carrying out enquiries in the local area and anyone with any information is urged to contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 393 of November 21.

Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.