POLICE are hunting two burglars who claimed to be firemen in order to steal cash from an elderly woman.

Cheshire Police are appealing for information over the distraction burglary at a house on St Mary’s Road in Penketh on Saturday, November 4.

Two men entered the address at around 8.30pm in the evening before being confronted by the elderly occupant in her living room.

The men claimed that they were from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and said that there was a fire at the back of her property.

They then stole cash and a bank card before fleeing the scene.

Both suspects are described as being white, in their 40s and with Warrington accents, with one being of larger build than the other.

Detective constable Vicky Goodwin said: “The lady repeatedly asked for identification but one of the men kept her talking while the other made a search of the property.

“Taking advantage of a vulnerable woman was a callous act.

“I hope that if someone remembers seeing suspicious activity in the area around this time they will phone police on 101 to help us to find those responsible.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 961 of November 4, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.