A vulnerable 84-year-old woman fell victim to a conman who duped her by weeping on her doorstep on Christmas Day.

The man stole her handbag with £150 cash inside after banging on her door, crying and begging her to let him in and help him.

He called moments after the woman's daughter dropped her home following family festivities.

He appealed to her good nature, claiming he was a doctor looking after the house next door in Preston Park, Brighton, but had accidentally locked his nine-month old baby inside.

The pensioner, believing he was in great distress, took the security chain off her door and let him in.

The victim said: "He was frightened and in a state.

"He was crying and weeping. Part of it was acting no doubt but he was frightened."

The woman, who was left shaken by the theft, described how her handbag was in the hallway with several presents.

She said: "Foolishly I opened the door thinking it was my daughter but there was this weird little man.

"I put the chain over quickly. He told me his baby was locked in next door. I was still doubtful but he seemed genuine."

The man asked the woman to call him a taxi and stood in the hallway while she was on the phone. He left without her noticing.

"It was then I went to pick my bag up and realised 'You fool, you have been taken in'."

Her black handbag with cash and credit cards and a cheque book were missing.

The woman said: "I am not angry, I feel foolish.

"But this man was so genuinely upset. Had it been someone saying they had come to check the gas I probably would not have let them in.

"It is quite a shocking thing and I have learnt my lesson."

The man is described as olive skinned and about 5ft 7in. He had black, greasy, wavy hair which was brushed back and he had a missing or discoloured front top right tooth.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.