A 93-year-old woman's house has been burgled after a woman claiming to be 'deaf and dumb' entered her premises in what appears to be a distraction burlgary.

Essex Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in which a three figure sum of cash was stolen from an elderly couple. 

A 93-year-old vulnerable woman was at home in Hogarth Road, Grays, when a woman aged in her 20s entered the front door shortly after 2pm on Saturday, October 28 while her 92-year-old husband was out. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Clive Day said: “The victim did not recognise the woman, who showed her a piece of paper on which was written that she was deaf and dumb. 

“The suspect then walked around the house before going upstairs. 

“She left before the victim’s husband returned at around 4pm, which was when he discovered the money had been stolen. 

“This was a particularly despicable crime as the suspect targeted a vulnerable woman and I am appealing for anyone has information to please get in touch so we can find the person responsible.” 

The suspect was described as aged about 20 to 22, slim and had brown hair. 

Witnesses who saw the woman in the Hogarth Road area are asked to contact Dc Day at Grays CID. Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.