A cruel conman stole a pensioner’s handbag after posing as a surveyor to get into her Bradford home.

The 79-year-old woman was taking shopping from her car when the man claimed he had accidentally drilled through the wall into her house in Glendale Drive, Wibsey, while fixing a radiator at her neighbour’s property and there may be a gas leak.

She took the man upstairs to check. He said there was no problem and then left, stealing her handbag.

Police urged elderly householders not to let anyone into their homes without proper identification.

The suspect was a light-skinned, possibly Asian, man in his mid-30s, about 5ft, 10in tall, of medium build, with short black hair. He was wearing a navy blue jumper and trousers, and was holding a black clipboard with a photograph attached. He spoke good English and was very polite.

The offender may have used a silver car.