An 87-year-old pensioner was left in a state of distress after crooks raided her home.

The three posed as landscape gardeners before one of them tricked their way into her Colchester house, stealing a purse containing more than a £100 cash.

Police today slammed the scam artists as "unscrupulous" and "despicable" as they urged more people to join community safety schemes.

Detectives have carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area in a bid to identify the men.

One was said to be about 5ft 6in, white, balding, in his late 50s with a local accent and wearing a brown top and trousers. The second was also white, about 5ft 10ins, large and in his late 20s. The third was aged about 15 or 16-years-old.

  • Anyone with information about Monday's burglary should call Colchester CID on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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