A THIEF tricked his way into an elderly woman’s house and stole money from her purse.

Police said the man asked the 84-year-old woman if he could fill up a water bottle inside her house, in Hallam Road, Nelson, at around 2.30pm on Monday.

Once inside the property he followed the woman into the kitchen and stole £5 from a purse in her handbag, officer said.

The offender is described as a white male, about 5ft 9ins, dressed in a black cap and dark jacket.

Call Nelson Police on 01282 472604.