AN ELDERLY woman has been conned out of thousands of pounds of cash and jewellery by fake policemen who claimed they needed to "look after it" for her.

Essex Police are investigating after the 79-year-old woman reported the incident in Basildon earlier this year and are now appealing for witnesses.

The fraud happened at about 1.30pm on August 29 when the woman was contacted by a man claiming to be a detective based in London.

He told her suspects had been arrested after using bank cards in her name and had also tried to access her bank accounts.

The conman told the woman to withdraw thousands of pounds in cash and put together any valuable jewellery so that police could "look after it".

Later that day, a man claiming to be a courier arrived at her home in Basildon at about 5.30pm and collected the money and jewellery.

He was described as aged about 19 or 20, of slight build and around 5ft 1ins or 5ft 2ins tall. She described him as being Indian in appearance and wore a black hoody and trousers.

PC Will Batchelor, of the Serious Economic Crime Unit, said: "These criminals were persuasive and took advantage of the victim’s trust.

"They pressurised her and urged her not to tell anyone because they claimed this would jeopardise their ‘investigation’.

"I urge anyone who can help us identify those responsible to please get in touch."

Police have been progressing their enquiries and are releasing pictures of some of the jewellery that was stolen.

PC Batchelor added: "We appreciate they are not the clearest images, but hope someone will recognise if they have seen them recently or have been offered them for sale.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who has any information that could help with our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or visit www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.