Conmen stole cash from a vulnerable pensioner after tricking their way into her home.

Police say the 76-year-old victim was left shocked and deeply upset by her ordeal.

They are looking for two small men believed to be responsible for the robbery.

The victim, who has not been named, answered a knock on her door in Walsingham Road, Hove, on Monday at 3.30pm.

The man on her doorstep told her he was repairing a neighbour's washing machine and needed to turn off her water supply.

Police believe a second man slipped into the flat through the open front door while they were in the kitchen.

He took £175 from a purse in her shopping trolley in the hall and then left.

After he had gone the first suspect said he had to get something and told her to put the kettle on for a cup of tea when he got back.

He did not return and the pensioner later discovered the money was missing from her purse.

Sergeant Richard Delacour said: "The lady was extremely distressed when she realised what had happened.

"We would like to hear from any witnesses who saw two short men acting suspiciously in the area at the time."

The first suspect is white and slim with dark hair. He is in his 30s and about 5ft 4ins tall.

The second man was white, in his 20s and slightly shorter at 5ft 3ins tall.

Anyone with information should call Hove police station on 0845 6070999.