Police have warned elderly residents to be on the alert after two conmen stole £1,000 from a vulnerable 82-year-old woman.

The bogus callers knocked on the pensioners door in Witchards, Basildon, at 10.30am yesterday Tuesday and claimed to be from the council.

The men persuaded the woman they had been sent to remove a dead pigeon from her water tank.

Once inside the house one distracted her while the other man removed cash from her handbag before leaving.

Police believe the culprits could currently be operating the Basildon area and might use the same trick once again.

Both men were white and tall. One is described as having short tidy brown hair and wearing a checked shirt and navy blue trousers.

The other man has dark hair and was wearing white gloves.

Anyone who saw the men or knows anything about the incident should call Basildon police on 01268 532212 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.