A blind Eastbourne pensioner was duped into thinking two men would repair her roof - but they stole £200 while her back was turned.

The two thieves, who gave the name Chapman, knocked on the 89-year-old's door in Latimer Road on Friday afternoon, saying her gutter needed repairing.

When the lady gave in to their persistent hard-sell tactics, the men secretly foraged through her possessions.

It was only when they left that she noticed about £200 had been stolen.

Police today urged pensioners and other vulnerable people not to open their doors to unannounced visitors.

A force spokesman said legitimate callers would always be happy to show their identification.