A VULNERABLE 91-year-old woman was targeted by two "despicable" thieves who robbed her in her home.

The pensioner was at home alone when she answered the door of her Dalry house to two men who claimed to be from a water company.

They claimed to be at the property, on James Street, to carry out some checks on her home but stole her purse, which contained bank cards and the corresponding PIN codes.

A four-figure sum was then withdrawn from the elderly woman's accounts.

Police Scotland is now appealing for witnesses following the bogus caller incident on Saturday, February 6, at around 10am, and warning residents to be on their guard.

Detective Constable Finn Rankin of Saltcoats Police Office said: “These are despicable individuals who have preyed on a vulnerable woman.

"It is totally unacceptable to leave anyone feeling unsafe in their own home.

“This crime was reported to us on Monday, February 8. There may be other people in the North Ayrshire area who have been approached by these men who haven’t yet come forward to police.

"If you have had someone at your door recently that you were unsure of, or if an elderly relative has informed you of an incident, I would like to hear from you.”

The suspects are described as white, around 5ft 8in in height and both with brown hair.

The first suspect was described of being slim build while the second is described as having a medium build.

The first suspect who is described as slim was also wearing a dark coloured body warmer and a lanyard at the time of the incident.