Police were today hunting thieves who tricked their way into a pensioner's home and stole £1,000 in cash and jewellery.

Two men approached the woman at her home in Great Knightleys, Basildon, and claimed to be working for the water board.

One of the men took the 83-year-old victim into the kitchen to examine what he claimed were faulty taps, while the other man searched the lounge.

There he found a handbag on the sofa which contained £300 in cash.

He also removed two gold sovereign rings, cheque guarantee card, bank card and purse. The pair then left.

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