A BOGUS council worker stole a 94-year-old woman's savings as she slept in an armchair at her home.

The con man crept into the Southampton property through an unlocked back door, crept past the dozing pensioner and helped himself to £300 from another room.

But not content with the wad of notes, the overweight intruder brazenly stood in front of the elderly lady and shouted at her for more cash.

The con man, who wore a blue

uniform, boomed: "Where is your money? I am from the council. I need £2.20."

Police said the victim, who has not been named, was left so shaken by the incident that she could not remember anything else.

The distressed woman, who lives alone, called her nephew and also contacted a neighbour after the burglary in Orpen Road, Sholing.

Police described the victim as

particularly vulnerable, relying on walking sticks to get around. She also uses two hearing aids.

The break-in is being investigated by officers from Southampton police's specialist burglary unit, who warned other pensioners to be on their guard.

Police said the con man was white, in his 40s, between 5ft 9in and 6ft, with a fat stomach and a distinctive Southampton accent.

Claiming to be from the local council, he wore a pair of blue overalls or dungarees and a blue jacket with white stripes.

Helen Ward, burglary investigation unit spokesman, said: "This was a particularly cowardly offence committed as a vulnerable elderly lady was asleep in her own home.

"The way in which the intruder confronted her was very distressing, and the whole incident has left her badly shaken."

Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen the con man in the area at the time of the break-in, which happened at about 5pm on Monday.

Any information to Southampton's burglary investigation unit on 023 8059 9997 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.