A CONMAN stole an elderly woman's winter fuel allowance after tricking his way into her home by posing as an antiques buyer.

The thief called at the woman's home in Woodcock Gardens, Warminster, at 2pm on Tuesday and asked if she had any items for sale. She showed him an old wooden clock, which he offered to pay £5 for.

The elderly lady then went up to her bedroom to find change for a £20 note, but the man followed her upstairs. She got out a tin containing her £200 winter fuel allowance, which he immediately snatched before running off from the house.

Police say two neighbours got good sightings of the man. He is described as white, in his late 30s, 5ft 8in tall, broad across the shoulders and medium build.

He had medium length mousy brown hair and was wearing a three-quarter-length camel hair coat. He was driving a red estate car, which may have been up to 10 years old.

Anyone with information should contact PC Simon Cowdrey at Warminster police on (01985) 847000.