Cruel conmen borrowed cash from an elderly woman - and then stole her purse.

The woman was at home, in Goldingham Drive, Braintree, when a man knocked on her door and requested a £10 loan.

When she handed it over, he changed the subject and said she had a broken window upstairs, asking if she would like him to take a look at it.

While the man kept the woman talking, police believe an unknown accomplice entered her home through another door and stole a purse, which had £35 inside and a set of house keys.

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Dominic Davis at Braintree police station on 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.