AN 88 year-old woman has had her £20,000 life savings stolen after letting a bogus gas man into her flat.

The pensioner, from Navestock Crescent, Woodford Green, allowed the conman in at around 12.40pm yesterday (Tuesday) after he told her he was checking resident's gas supplies after complaints about 'rising prices.'

He distracted her by pretending to check her boiler, cooker and gas meter while an accomplice is believed to have crept into the flat and stolen the money.

The incident has caused outrage on the Orchard Estate which residents say is being targeted by bogus callers.

Mum-of-one Jaspal Heir, 51, of Navestock Crescent, said she has stopped opening the door to unannounced workmen.

She said: "You always get people around here knocking on your door saying they are from the electricity or gas company.

"I just speak to them through the letterbox and ask them what they want.

"It's very sad what happened to that lady. It's just good she didn't get hurt."

These views were shared by fellow resident Melonie Brown.

She said: "What happened to her is terrible, but there are alot of bad things happening on this estate.

"It's like we've been forgotten about sometimes."

The bogus gas man is described as white and aged about 40.

Anyone with information about the theft should call: 8345 2610.

Police have urged elderly people not to keep large sums of money at home and not to allow anyone into their home without a prior appointment and showing proper ID.

For more crime prevention advice call: 8554 9264 or visit met.police.uk/redbridge.