The curly-haired fraudster deceived the trusting pair into inviting him into their home in Welney by asking if they had any old comics for his granddad who collected them.

He called at the house in Main Street between 2.30pm and 3.15pm on Monday. Once inside, he stole cash from the elderly man's trouser pocket, and two purses.

The conman, who was wearing dark clothing, was described as in his early 20s and about 5ft 10in tall. His build was medium to stocky and he had short, dark curly hair.

Detective Constable Tammy Raines said speaking with a stutter and giving the appearance of having learning difficulties was probably a ruse to gain the sympathy and trust of his victims, who are in their 70s.

"Thieves will employ all sorts of tricks in order to steal. It's a reminder to all householders not to let strangers into your home," she said.

Anyone who saw the man or any suspicious vehicles in the village is asked to contact Det Con Raines at Downham Police Station on 0845 456 4567.