Centenarians robbed by tricksters

Two centenarian sisters have been robbed at their home by a gang posing as water company officials.

Alice and Annie Horsman, who are 100 and 106, were targeted by two men and a woman at their home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

The thieves said they needed to test the water, pushed their way in and stole a large amount of cash from the living room.

The trio fled and 100-year-old Alice chased them but fell and hurt her head.

They've had a bad shock but they're all right Margaret Wild, niece

She suffered minor injuries in the incident on Thursday at 1240 GMT, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.

The sisters' niece, Margaret Wild, said: "They've had a bad shock but they're all right.

"They want to make others aware so people can be on their guard."

Pc Mark Challender said: "Words cannot describe how heinous and despicable this crime was.

"To steal cash from such an elderly and vulnerable woman is an unforgivable, disgusting offence."

The three offenders are described as Asian. Both men are in their 30s.

The first man is about 5ft 8in (1.73m) tall, of medium build and was wearing navy blue clothes.

The second man spoke with an Urdu accent and the woman had a large build.