An elderly Croydon couple have been left "devastated" after being tricked out of £7,000 they had been saving up for funeral expenses.

A man claiming he needed to get access to a water tap to fit a washing machine for neighbours talked his way into their Crescent Road home on Saturday, July 25, and while he occupied them downstairs a second man sneaked in and found the cash.

When the couple, both in the late 60s, realised the second man was inside they challenged the pair who ran off with the cash.

DC Alex Rothwell from the south east area crime said: "This is a cowardly crime and we urge anyone who may have seen the men running along Whitehorse Road at just after 3.30pm or anyone else who has any information to come forward. We would also advise anyone not to keep such large sums of money at home."

Both men are described as white, about 25-years-old. The first man had an Irish accent, was of stocky build and about 5ft 10ins tall. Anyone with any information should contact the south east Burglary Squad on 0181 284 6966.

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