A 93-YEAR-OLD partially blind woman had money stolen after a thief posing as a council worker followed her into her house.

The elderly victim was targeted in Grants Avenue, off Heslington Lane, at about 1pm on Tuesday, by a man who claimed to work for City of York Council, police said yesterday.

The man stole cash from a living-room drawer after telling the pensioner to wait in the kitchen. When he was disturbed, he took a small amount of money from her before escaping from the property.

It is not known which way the man went, and police are appealing for anybody who saw any suspicious activity in the area around the time to contact them.

The suspect is white, about 6ft tall, and large. He was wearing a fawn-coloured jacket.

Detective Constable Bev Hodgson, of York CID, said: “Fortunately the elderly lady was left unharmed on this occasion, but incidents of this nature are extremely unpleasant and deeply upsetting for the victims.

“I am appealing to anybody who can help locate the offender to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information as soon as possible.

“I would also urge all residents to be vigilant and keep an eye out for elderly residents or neighbours.”

Anybody who can help the police is asked to phone DC Hodgson on 0845 6060 247, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.