AN ELDERLY woman has had £1,000 savings stolen by thieves posing as workmen.

The 76-year-old woman discovered two men in the kitchen at her home in Chapeltown, Turton.

The pair claimed to be from the Water Board and said they needed to check her water system.

One of the men distracted her by checking the taps in an upstairs bathroom whilst the other searched draws and cupboards in the lounge. Both men then left with £1,000 in cash.

An investigation is underway and police have released a description of the two suspects in a bid to track them down.

One of the men was around 5ft 7ins with a slim build, dark facial hair and short dark brown hair.

The other was around 5ft 8ins with a heavy build. He was clean shaven, had short dark brown hair and was wearing a blue or grey woollen jumper and blue jeans.

DC Mark Hogan of Darwen CID said: “This is an appalling crime against an elderly lady and I appeal to anyone who saw these two men or who has any information to contact police.”

Anyone with information about the incident on Thursday can contact police on 0845 125 3545.