POLICE are hunting two men who posed as police officers to force their way into a pensioner’s home.

The thieves persuaded the elderley man to open the door and then barged their way in to steal his coin collection.

The 81-year-old, who lives off Stubbs Lane in Braintree, heard banging on the back door at about 4.40pm on September 24.

PC Red Leeson, of Braintree CID, said: "He saw two men and one shouted that he was from the police.

"The victim opened the door and asked them to show identification, but the second man claimed they didn’t need it and started trying to force his way in.

"The homeowner tried to close the door but he was pushed aside.

"The second suspect claimed they wanted to seize his computer and camera.

"When he told them he did not own either item, the man started searching the house while his accomplice stood watch over the victim.”

Both men left shortly afterwards.

They stole a blue, zipped men’s shoulder bag containing four limited edition First World War commemorative gold coins featuring the Queen’s portrait on both sides, four gold sovereign coins wrapped in polythene and in plastic wallets, eight silver half crown Victoria silver coins and a 14-inch gold chain with a pendant in the shape of a tusk.

The first man was described as white, about 5ft 11ins tall, aged about 21 and of slim build.

He wore a dark grey jacket zipped up and covering the lower part of his face.

The second man was white, had a tanned ruddy complexion, and was about 5ft 8ins tall.

He was aged about 27, of stocky build and had brown, chin length hair.

He wore a dark blue or grey anorak.

Both had Essex accents.

PC Leeson added: "This was a frightening incident for the victim.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who saw these men in the area at the time of the incident, or has been offered the stolen items for sale.”

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Leeson at Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org