Detectives today issued a CD-fit of a man they suspect conned his way into the home of an elderly Crawley couple with an accomplice and stole cash.

They called at the couple's home in Tushmore Crescent, claiming they were working behind the house and had damaged the property.

While the husband, 92, went to investigate with one of the men, the other went into the house and was disturbed by the 80-year-old woman occupant as he went to rifle through her handbag.

The couple later found a handbag and a shopping bag containing a collapsible walking stick, £40 and cash cards, missing.

One man was in his 20s, 5ft 10in, and wearing a blue polo shirt with white stripes and dark trousers.

The other, also in his 20s, was 6ft and dressed in shirt and trousers.

Detective Constable Caroline Dugdale, of Crawley CID, said: "This was a despicable crime."