A CONMAN posing as a deaf and dumb household goods salesman stole cash from a pensioner who had agreed to buy some items from him.

The woman, who lives in Cookley, went to fetch her purse after answering the door to the man last Thursday at 2.20pm.

But she left the front door open and the man then entered and stole money from inside the house.

After leaving the woman's home, the thief made a rapid change of clothing and called next door having swapped his jeans and jacket for a pair of shorts and a top.

He is described as white, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall, in his early 20s. He had short dark hair and was of skinny build.

He was wearing dark trousers and a dark jacket which he exchanged for beige shorts and a light-coloured top. He had a false identity card and was carrying a large bag containing dusters, dishcloths and other household items.

A Kidderminster Police spokeswoman said: "This man has preyed on a defenceless and vulnerable elderly person. We would like to hear from anyone who has been visited by a door-to-door salesman recently, particularly if their behaviour has given cause for suspicion."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kidderminster Police on 01562 820888, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.