A CRUEL conman stole from a Kirklees pensioner.

The man tricked his way into the home of an 83-year-old woman on the pretence of asking about a neighbour and is now being hunted by detectives.

Police in Dewsbury are appealing for information after the incident on Tuesday.

A spokesman said that about 9pm, the woman answered the door to her home on Leeds Road, Dewsbury, to a man asking to speak to her about a neighbour.

The suspect was allowed into the house by the woman but stole a purse before escaping.

He was last seen walking along Leeds Road near the Co-op store.

Police said the suspect was a white man of slim build, 5ft 8ins tall and with short brown hair. His elderly victim was left shaken but uninjured.

Anyone with any information is now being asked to contact Det Con Paul Greatorex at Dewsbury CID on 01924 431012 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.