The conman knocked on the door of an 88-year-old woman's home in the Snedshill area of Telford, Shropshire.

When she asked for identification, he pushed past her and made her show him where she kept her valuables.

The thief stole �300 in cash. The victim was left unhurt but shaken after Monday evening's theft.

Dressed in black

Det Con Jo Keenan said: "Preying on and stealing from the elderly is a despicable crime and we are determined to apprehend those responsible.

"A genuine police officer would always carry their warrant card and identification and would never refuse to show it."

The thief is described as white, aged 25-30 and about 6ft tall, with short dark hair and dressed all in black.

Monday's incident follows a separate bogus caller in the town earlier this month, on 9 February, where a man claimed to be a bailiff from Telford Magistrates' Court.

He told the occupant he would take items from the house unless she paid him. The woman handed over �300 and he left.

That thief is described as white, about 5ft 7ins tall, balding, of large build and wearing a black suit and white shirt.