A VULNERABLE elderly woman had thousands of pounds stolen by a man claiming to be a gas meter reader.

The 86-year-old woman believed him to be genuine and let him into her flat in Whiterock Place, Brighton.

But he repaid her trust by ransacking her bedroom and opening drawers in other rooms to steal her purse and savings.

The incident happened at around 12.15pm on Wednesday, January 10.

The suspect is described as a white man, 5ft 6in, aged 30-40.

He was wearing a yellow and red high visibility jacket.

Detective Constable Sebastian Day, of the West Sussex investigations team, said: "Given the age and infirmity of the victim, this was a particularly callous theft.

"I'm keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, who may have other information concerning this theft or who may themselves have been similarly approached."

Anyone able to help can contact police online or call 101, quoting serial 451 of 10/01.

Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.