A 90-year-old woman was conned out of her life savings by bogus callers masquerading as workmen.

The pensioner answered the door to her home in Clermiston Crescent, Edinburgh, to a man who claimed he needed to check her water supply.

He distracted her by running her tap in the kitchen, while two other men sneaked in and stole a five-figure sum of cash.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area around the time of the incident at lunchtime on Friday.

The first suspect is described as white, 5ft 6in and clean shaven. He was wearing long-sleeved dark clothing and a dark tweed flat cap. Police believe he may be foreign.

The second man was around 20 years old while the third was between 40 and 50. Both were wearing dark clothes.

Detective constable James Philp, of Gayfield CID, said: "These unscrupulous individuals have targeted an elderly member of the community, masquerading as workmen and stealing her life savings.

"The local primary school was coming out for lunch at the time and we are keen to speak to any parents who may have seen these men or who saw anything suspicious in the area."

Anyone with information that can assist officers with the investigation is asked to contact them on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.