TWO sweet-talking women conned a Bursledon pensioner out of £440 after arriving on her doorstep with a bunch of flowers.

After conning their way into the 79-year-old's Manor Crescent home, one thief kept the victim talking while the other stole her pension money and pocketed her 81-year-old husband's pension allowance plus cash from his wallet.

Eastleigh police are stepping up the hunt for two women who are believed to be responsible for similar raids in Bursledon, Park Gate, Southampton and the Fareham/Gosport area.

It was just before 7pm when the tricksters knocked on the door of the pensioner - who wants to remain anonymous - and told her the local community centre had sent her flowers.

The pensioner said: "She asked me to write a thank you note and when I went to get a bit of paper they followed me into the house."

While one woman kept her talking in the kitchen, promising a bigger bouquet was due to be delivered later, the other raided the couple's bedroom.

The pensioner said: "They took it all. I don't know why they picked on us. I couldn't sleep - I feel so stupid letting them in."

The same evening a 78-year-old Bursledon resident in Boundary Road lost hundreds of pounds in a similar scam.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Eastleigh police on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.