POLICE are hunting cruel conmen who tried to trick a Southampton 96-year-old by pretending they had run over a cat.

Today Shirley detectives appealed for the public's help in catching the pair, who mysteriously appeared in the pensioner's garden and asked for a saucer of milk.

Police said the victim was not taken in by the scam and slammed the door shut, causing them to run off empty-handed.

The conmen struck at the pensioner's home in Regents Park Road, Millbrook, between 6pm and 6.30pm on Sunday.

Burglary investigations officer Pc Tim Ockenden, based at Shirley CID, said: "The woman was in her house and heard a tap on the back door.

"When she looked out, she saw a man standing there who said he thought he had run a cat over and claimed it was hiding in her garden.

"He asked to come in to fetch a saucer of milk to give it but she quite rightly became suspicious and refused him entry."

Police today praised the elderly victim for not falling for the intruder's smooth patter.

As soon as she slammed the door on the pair, they disappeared out of the garden and drove off in a waiting car.

Detectives fear they were using the cat story to distract the occupant, intending to steal either cash or property from her home.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545.

Alternatively, ring the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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