A CONMAN asked an elderly woman for a glass of water before stealing her handbag containing more than £3,000.

The youth visited the woman's home in Spring Hill Rise, Bewdley, at 3.30pm on Monday.

He asked her if she knew of a Rover car that was for sale and then asked her for some water.

When the offender had gone, the woman realised her bag was missing. In it was the cash, a pension book and a building society book.

PC Andy Hill, of Wyre Forest Local Policing Unit, said the incident had been very distressing to the victim.

"We would like to remind people to never allow a stranger to enter your home," he said.

Anyone with information about the incident should call North Worcestershire police on 08457 444 888.