Conmen posing as police officers stole jewellery from a 93-year-old.

The thieves told their victim they were members of CID in order to gain entry to the address in Beech Lane, Loughton, between 7.30 pm and 8pm yesterday.

They told the pensioner a suspected criminal had been detained in her back garden.

When the woman said she wanted to call police to confirm the claims, the men told her it was urgent and they must be let in immediately.

The pair then proceeded to steal jewellery valued at £1,550, including a 19th century silver bracelet.

The woman was not physically harmed, but has been left shaken and scared following the incident.

The men are described as white, aged around 25, of slim build, 5ft 5in with slicked-back brown hair.

One man was wearing a dark red jacket, a dark woollen scarf and blue jeans, while the second wore a dark top and blue jeans.

Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Paul Davis said: “If anyone experiences this sort of event call the police immediately.

“Genuine police officers will have no problem waiting.”