Police are warning people to be vigilant after a pensioner had money stolen from her home in a distraction scam.

An elderly resident in the Nelson area was targeted by two women, possibly of Romanian ethnicity, after she let them into her home believing they were working for a charity.

Posting on social media, officers from the Nelson neighbourhood police team said: "Please be aware of two females, described as late teens and possibly of a Romanian ethnicity.

"There has been an elderly resident taken advantage of by these females in the Nelson area.

"The females have claimed to be from a charity and managed to gain entry to the residents address by asking to use the toilet.

"Once inside one of them has kept the resident distracted whilst the other has stolen money.

"We would advise not to let anyone into your property off the street who you do not know."

Officers are now warning elderly residents and the family of elderly residents who may be more likely to have their good nature taken advantage of, to be aware of the scam and not to let anyone into their properties.

If anyone witnesses any suspicious activity, or is subject to a similar incident, they should call the police on 101.