POLICE are hunting a window cleaner who is believed to have stolen a 68-year-old woman's savings while working at her Southampton home.

The victim let the man inside her house in Nursery Road, Bitterne Park, after he turned up on her doorstep clutching a bucket of water.

A spokesman for Bitterne police said no words had been exchanged but the occupant had assumed he was a window cleaner.

It is understood she showed him through to the back of the premises and asked him to wash the back windows.

At the time another workman was in the house carrying out repairs to the victim's washing machine.

Police said the woman had later seen both men off the premises.

But when she went shopping, she found £250 missing from her bag, which had been left in the kitchen area.

Detectives said the window cleaner was believed to have stolen the cash.

He was described by the victim as white, aged 20 to 30, about 5ft 10in tall, slim, with short light brown hair. He wore a green jumper.

The incident happened between 11am and noon last Friday.

Anyone with information is urged to call Bitterne crimedesk on 0845 045 4545 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.