Doorstep conmen stole £100 from an 83-year-old woman after calling at her Oxford home.

Two men called at the home of the woman in Townsend Square at 2pm on Wednesday. They claimed to be council staff who were there to check her windows.

One of the men spoke with the woman, while the other looked around the property. The men left the property and shortly after the woman discovered more than £100 had been stolen from her handbag.

The first man who spoke with the woman is described as white, aged in his thirties, 5ft 3in to 5ft 5in, with a slim build, short dark hair and a slightly pointed face. He spoke with a soft Irish accent and was wearing a shiny Mackintosh-style coat and black trousers.

The second is described as white, 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall, with a medium build and short, brown hair. He was wearing a beige knee-length coat.

PC Charlie Ellis said: “I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident who may have seen these men around and has information about where they went after this incident.

“Perhaps these men called at your door? Did you see them getting into a vehicle in the area?

“I would also ask people to be vigilant to this type of offence. It is very uncommon for any firm or agency, such as the council, to call at your home without giving prior notice.

“If you ever have an unexpected caller to your door then you need to always ensure that you check for identification and then check with the company or agency they claim to be from.

“Any legitimate caller will always be happy to wait while you verify these details.

“Never let them into your house until you are completely satisfied they are who they say they are, and even then I would advise rescheduling their visit for a time when there is someone else with you.

“If at any time you feel intimidated or the caller becomes aggressive, shut the door on them and call the police.”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact PC Ellis via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.