Thieves stole a widow’s last gift from her dead husband when they conned her into letting them into her Beddington home.

The man and woman stole the 81-year-old woman’s purse - given as a present from her late husband - when they posed as Age Concern officials.

The couple also took £110 and some keys from the woman during the theft at Crispin Close at about 2pm on Sunday.

A police spokesman said the pair called at the woman’s home and flashed some ID before walking around the house and leaving.

After they left the woman noticed her handbag was open and the items were missing.

Marion Harper, Director of Age Concern Sutton, said that Age Concern staff do not undertake unsolicited visits.

She said: “When looking to make a visit, our staff would always make an appointment in advance.

“If someone calls and says they are from Age Concern and haven’t made a prior appointment, then don’t let them in.

“Even though a knock at the door would be welcomed by most older people, please don’t respond unless you know who is calling.”

A police spokesman said the callers were white and about 20 years old. The woman was about 5ft 8in tall with straight, black, shoulder length hair and wore a short, light coloured top.

The man was about 5ft 5in tall with fair short hair and wore a blue checked shirt.

To help, call Sutton CID on 020 8649 0747 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.