A 91-year-old woman has been robbed of savings worth £2,000 by a bogus caller pretending to be from a water company.

The trickster approached the woman at her home in Lee Chapel, Basildon, and persuaded her to let him inside.

He then managed to keep her occupied while he rifled through the property in search of the cash savings.

The victim is understood to be greatly disturbed by the intrusion, but has managed to help detectives with a description.

The male suspect was white, aged about 30, 6ft tall and had short black hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a white shirt.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was approached by a stranger with a similar story on Thursday, June 16.

They should contact Laindon police on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.