AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a man demanded cash from an elderly woman for work on her home in Reading.

Thames Valley Police said the woman in her nineties was told by the man he needed cash to carry out some work on her property in Shepherds Lane.

It happened between 5pm and 7pm on Friday, August 14.

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He went into the property, while a second man was also seen outside.

Nothing was taken and the offenders left in a white Ford transit-style vehicle with a ladder and large tube on the roof.

Police described the first offender as white and of a large build. He had white hair and was wearing orange trousers with a white stripe. He also had a chip in his front tooth.

The second offender is described as white, in his thirties, and around 5ft 9ins tall. He had short mousey coloured hair and was wearing dark blue trousers and a grey long sleeved top, possibly a hoodie.

Investigating officer PC Amy Hopes, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the descriptions of the offenders to get in touch.

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“I believe that they may have approached other properties in the area and I am appealing to anyone who has been approached to contact us.

“You can contact us using our online reporting form, quoting reference number 43200253526, or by calling the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”