TWO men posing as water board officials tricked their way into the home of a 79-year-old woman on Thursday and stole a substantial amount of cash.

The distraction burglary happened at about 10.50am in Archer Road, St Georges, after the men knocked on the victim's door.

One claimed he was from the water suppliers and told the woman to turn off her water at the stop-cock because it was going to blow up.

Police said the men followed the woman into the kitchen and one man stood by her while she turned off the stop-cock.

The second stood in the doorway to the lounge and when she looked up both men had gone.

The woman's handbag containing cash, a pension book and savings book was taken.

One man is described as European, 23-24, 1.72m tall with a very thin reddish coloured face, and short, straight black hair. He was clean-shaven with dark eyes and had a slight unknown accent.

The second is described as white, 20-23, of the same height and build with straight black hair.

Anyone with information can call Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.