Police are concerned a conman who stole from an elderly woman could strike again.

Householders are being warned to watch out for the man who duped the 72-year-old woman in the Framfield Road area of Uckfield on Tuesday morning.

The caller told the pensioner, who had a learning difficulty, that he was a council worker and would clear rubbish from outside her home.

He talked his way into the house, asked to use the toilet then stole her social security book and £70 in cash.

Police are concerned the man might try a similar trick in the Weald area, which includes Uckfield, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath.

PC Martin Gander said: "It was a heartless theft. We advise people to ask whenever they in are doubt for identification."

The only description of the man is that he was white and in his 30s.

No vehicle was seen and, although door to door inquiries have been made, none of the neighbours saw anything.

If you have any information call PC Gander on 0845 6070999.