A GANG of thieves stole cash from the home of an 80-year-old pensioner after pretending to have fixed her roof.

Two men conned their way into the woman's house in Pulteney Road, South Woodford, after calling at her front door and demanding £1,200 for work they claimed to have done to the property.

She demanded to speak to their manager before handing over any cash, but eventually agreed to give them £50 after talking to a third man on the phone.

The pensioner then went upstairs and was followed by one of the pair, who claimed he wanted to check her ceiling.

While this was happening another gang member walked into her home and took £50 from an upstairs room.

All of the three men who entered the property were white, one of whom is described as being around 18 years-old, 5ft 11ins tall, with a slim build.

The other two were both aged about 30, with one around 5ft 11ins tall with an athletic build, and the other approximately 6ft 1ins tall.

There is no description of the man the pensioner spoke to on the phone.

Anyone with information about the theft, which took place between 11am and 11.30am on Wednesday, March 31, should call DC Zoe Plant at Ilford Police Station on: 8345 2610 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.