AN 87-year-old woman was conned out of £450 by three men offering to replace her front door.

A man called at her home in Erskine Close, Blackbrook, at about 2pm on Wednesday, October 25, and offered to get her a new door for £350.

He returned the following day with two other men and, while he talked to the pensioner, the other man was supposed to be taking measurements for the new door. Before going, they told the pensioner they needed an extra £100 for the door, which she gave them.

After they had left, the pensioner discovered her bedroom door had been forced open and the room had been searched.

The men never returned and police would like to speak to anyone able to help them with their inquiries.

The first man is described as 5ft 9in tall with a slim build and aged about 30. He was wearing blue jeans, a short, light-coloured jacket and a light-coloured peaked cap and spoke with a local accent.

The man with the tape measure is described as white, 6ft tall, slim build, mousey hair, 24 years, wearing dark knitted bob cap and scruffy-looking workclothes.

The third man is said to be white, 5ft 9in, stocky build, mid to late 20s, short mousey hair, clean shaven. He appeared to have a flattened nose, was wearing blue jeans and "looked a bit rough." Police believe the men could be using a dark blue Transit van.

Anyone able to help can contact DC Mike Leyland at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6875, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.