AN elderly woman has been left “extremely scared and upset” after a pair of conmen called at her door then barged their way in and began searching her home for valuables.

Fortunately, the 81-year-old managed to flee to a neighbour, who called police.

But the raiders still managed to escape with her handbag, cash and other items.

The woman was not assaulted or injured during the burglary, but has been left extremely shaken.

Detectives say the two knocked on the woman's door in Mill Close, Tranmere, at around 7.20pm yesterday as she was getting ready for bed.

They pretended to be relatives and when she answered, they forced their way in.

One of them started searching the house while the other stood guard at the door.

Detective Inspector John Griffith said: "This was a brazen and callous burglary in which two men have tricked their way into this lady's home and stolen her handbag, purse and jewellery.

“As soon as she opened the door they barged their way in.

“Fortunately, she was able to squeeze past them and raise the alarm with a neighbour, who called the police.

“She has been left extremely scared and upset by what they did and we are doing everything we can to catch the two men responsible.”

The first burglar was around 5ft 10ins to 6ft, of large build, aged between 20 and 30, wearing a dark-coloured, knee-length duffle coat and jeans.

The second, who stayed in the entrance to the house, was of broad build and wore a similar style coat.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who lives in Mill Close or the surrounding area or who was passing by at around 7.20pm last night to think back to see if they remember seeing anything suspicious,” said Det Insp Griffith.

“These men have stolen her personal possessions and may well try to sell them in the local area.

“I would urge anyone who is offered anything for sale like this in suspicious circumstances, or who has any other information that could help us catch these men, to do the right thing and please contact police or Crimestoppers."

Call Birkenhead CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.