A PENSIONER who fell foul of conmen has been left so shaken by her ordeal that she is afraid to answer her door or leave home.

The 83-year-old woman, of Forge Lane, Headcorn, answered the door to a man purporting to be from the water company who said her neighbour was experiencing supply problems and asked her to check that her taps were working.

While he went with her into her kitchen, a second man slipped in the house and stole two purses from a drawer in the living room.

The thieves took just £15 but the pensioner, who had only just recovered from a long illness, is now at her wits' end.

Her daughter, Sheila Thomis, from Shepway, Maidstone, said as a result her mother was now a prisoner in her own home.

"Mum's afraid to go out," said Mrs Thomis. "She won't answer the door to anyone. She won't even go outside to hang up her washing."

The victim, who has difficulty walking, is a well known figure in Headcorn where she has lived for 50 years.

Mrs Thomis described the offenders as "scum" and said they should be made aware of what they had done to an 80-year-old for the sake of a few pounds.

She said: "My mother can't get to sleep now for fear they will come back."

One of the offenders is in his 50s, thin with dark hair; the other had short curly hair. Both wore charcoal-coloured tops with an orange motif, that resembled a uniform.

Witnesses or annyone with information should call Maidstone police on 01622 650100.