Six crooks "targeted and preyed" on an elderly woman before stealing hundreds of pounds from her. 

The distraction burglary took place at a property in Maple Way on September 14 at around 4.30pm.

Essex Police understand that six men arrived at the property where a woman in her 80s lived, with one man distracting the woman whilst some of the other men went into the property and stole a three-figure sum of cash.

The men are described as being in their late 20s with one man in his late 30s and wearing a brown t-shirt.

They had arrived at the property in a blue Nissan Micra and a white tipper truck.

Investigating officer PC Alex Lovelock said: “These men targeted and preyed on a vulnerable, elderly woman and stole money from her.

“We’ve carried out a number of enquiries into this incident already and are now asking you for the public's help.

“Maple Way is a busy residential area of Burnham and I believe someone will have seen or heard something.

“If you saw this group of men, recognise the descriptions of the vehicles, have CCTV or dash cam footage, or any other information, I need to speak to you.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/133499/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.