Police are hunting a pair of bogus callers who conned their way into an 86-year-old woman's West Lothian home and stole a four figure sum of cash.

The woman let a man into her house after he told her he was from a construction company. He said he was checking to see if she had a burst water line and asked the pensioner to go into her garden. However, when she went back indoors, she found a second man there.

The pair left quickly, but two days later, the woman realised a four figure sum had been stolen.

A police spokesman said: “These men have made off with a considerable sum of cash that has left the victim out of pocket and distressed as a result.

“Anyone who recognises the description of the suspects or who has information that can assist with our enquiries should contact police immediately.

The first suspect is described as white, around 25 to 30-years-old, slim and between five foot six and five foot seven inches tall. He was wearing dark clothing, a baseball cap and some form of ID badge. He spoke in an English accent with an Irish twang.

The second suspect was around the same age and a couple of inches taller. He was wearing dark clothing.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have seen the pair in the Birniehill Road area of Bathgate at around 12.30pm on Friday to come forward.

A Lothian and Borders force spokesman said: “Bogus workmen target the more vulnerable members of our community in the hope of making off with cash or other valuables.

“We would urge the public to be vigilant to these individuals and report any suspicious activity to police immediately.