Conmen pretending to be police officers have robbed a woman in her own home.

Four men arrived at the woman's home in Bathgate, West Lothian, at around 5.25pm on Monday and told her they were police and needed to check the inside of her property.

One of the men stayed downstairs talking to the woman, who is in her 60s, while the three others went upstairs.

After they left, the woman realised to two money tins and a handbag were missing from her home. In total, a four-figure sum of cash was stolen.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify those involved and anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to come forward.

Constable Andy Tuplin said: "This has been a disgraceful intrusion into the woman's home who has understandably been left distressed by the incident.

"We believe the men were not dressed in standard police uniform, however claimed to be police officers to the woman at her door.

"The man who stayed with the woman downstairs was described as having a walkie-talkie type radio.

"The men left carrying the stolen property in either a white carrier bag or a white pillow case, and we'd urge anyone who saw these men in the area yesterday evening, or can help us identify who is responsible, to contact officers as soon as possible.

"We understand that these sort of criminals can be extremely convincing and we'd urge people to be vigilant to those arriving unexpectedly at your home.

"Always ask for identification and if someone says they are a police officer and you aren't sure, please call 101 to check their identity before allowing them inside."