Detectives are hunting this “heartless” conwoman who deliberately befriended a vulnerable Bradford pensioner for several weeks before clearing out her bank accounts.

The 70-year-old woman was tricked into handing over her bank cards and Pin in what police have described as a “callous scam”.

The pensioner, who lives in Wyke, is said to have been left traumatised after losing £1,700 to the thief.

Officers last night released these CCTV images of the woman they are seeking and disclosed that she had befriended the pensioner between August and September.

A spokesman said: “The individual responsible appears to have developed and encouraged this relationship over a series of weeks with sole of intention of removing cash from the victim.

“She has preyed upon her good nature and vulnerability in order to achieve this.

“These heartless actions will undoubtedly have had a personal impact, not to mention a financial strain.

“We are not prepared to accept this behaviour in Bradford and we are calling for anyone with information to come forward.

“It may be that others in the Wyke area have been approached in the same manner or have seen the suspect locally. If this is the case, we want to hear from you.

“You can call on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.”

Keith Nathan, chief executive of Age UK in Bradford district, warned that elderly people who become isolated from family and friends were particularly vulnerable to this type of crime.

“It is horrible and it is particularly pernicious if someone has put that effort in to get into someone’s life,” said Mr Nathan.

“We condemn it, but it only becomes possible where people are isolated and families and communities are not able to help.

“There is quite a bit of work being done at the moment about cons. In the current financial climate there are more people targeting older people.

“A lot of it depends on people looking after each other, particularly families and neighbours, especially if people are isolated.

“We would continue to encourage people to look after each other and look after their neighbours. There are good procedures for supporting vulnerable people.

“If people are worried about someone, let an agency know. Let the adult protection agency in the city know, or come to us.”

Anyone who recognises the woman in the photographs, or who has any information about the theft, is asked to contact PC Oliver Bentley on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.