A woman in her 80s had her purse stolen after a young couple knocked on her door and asked to use the toilet.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the report of a distraction burglary in Broadstairs.

At around 4pm on April 28 the victim was visited by a man and woman, thought to be between 18 and 25, in her home in Vicarage Street, St Peter’s.

The woman asked to use the toilet while the man remained at the front door with the elderly woman.

She then invited the couple to stay for a cup of tea.

The victim made them the tea and suggested they drink it in the living room while she cleared the kitchen surfaces.

However when she went to join the couple, they had left the house, taking the mugs of tea with them.

A purse containing a quantity of cash and cards was also missing.

The victim has described the woman as white, aged between 18 and 25, casually dressed with dark brown shoulder-length hair and speaking with an English accent.

The man was also white, aged between 18 and 25 with dark brown hair, dressed casually and an English accent. He is also believed to be around 5 ft 10 ins tall.

DS Richard Allen said: "These types of crimes can have a devastating impact on victims, both in terms of their confidence and their ability to feel safe and secure in their own homes.

"I would urge anyone with information about this incident to listen to their conscience and call Kent Police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/13932/16 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.