POLICE are investigating after three men are believed to have pretended to be gardeners to steal thousands of pounds from an elderly woman in Braintree.

One man went to the 87 year-old woman's home in Chaucer Crescent and told her she needed to look at her garden because trees and bushes were overhanging from a neighbouring garden.

He and one of the other men went into the garden with her where she was told it would cost her a three figure sum to do the work.

She declined and the three men left in a white van but, after they had gone, she found a four figure sum of cash had been taken from her house.

It happened between 11am and 12pm on Wednesday, May 22.

One of the suspects was described as about 5ft 4ins tall, aged in his late 30s to early 40s, of medium build, and had dark skin and short black hair.

He was clean shaven and wore light coloured shorts and a white T-shirt.

The second man was described as aged about 18, about 5ft 11ins tall, white, and of slim build. He also wore light coloured shorts and a white T-shirt.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Most people who call at your home will be genuine but it’s important to be on your guard and remember there are bogus callers about.

"Always check the caller is who they say they are before letting them in and remember not to leave doors open and unattended.

"If you need to have work carried out, get a number of quotes and contact a Buy With Confidence accredited trader."

Anyone with information is asked to call Braintree CID on 101 quoting reference 42/80399/19.

Visit essex.police.uk for more information on bogus callers.