A blind great-grandmother has been left shaken-up after being burgled by 'gutless' men posing as police officers.

86-year-old Ruby Bedford, who has completely lost her eyesight in old age, had £1,200 stolen from her after they entered her home.

The mother-of-six was readying for bed between 8.30pm and 9pm on Friday, January 30, when she encountered the men in her hallway.

One of them said they were police officers, claiming they had just seen a young man leaving the window of her flat with some money.

Ms Bedford, who has lived in Vanguard Way in Wallington for 20 years, said: "It all happened within two to three minutes.

"One of the chaps told me he was a police officer. I was so startled because I was sure one of them was behind me.

"They told me they had just seen a young lad leaving my front window, and asked if they could come in and have a look around."

When Ms Bedford awoke her purse had been stolen and her cash box was on the floor.

Some of the money taken had been set aside for bills, including £200 fuel allowance.

They also took large amounts of change she had in various places around the home, and money she had saved from Christmas.

Ms Bedford, who has seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, continued: "I woke up later that night at about 4am and suddenly realised they weren’t police officers.

"They didn’t offer any me any security numbers or anything like that.

"I have changed my locks now. I wouldn’t say I am scared, I am just grateful I wasn’t attacked."

People-power has come out in force since the burglary, with local community volunteer Karen Taylor starting a collection for Ms Bedford.

Ms Taylor, who regular checks on elderly residents living in Vanguard Way, said: "What kind of gutless person picks on the disabled?

"She can’t identify the men because she’s blind.

"We are beginning a whip-round on the estate, and collected £60 already on the first day."

If you have any information about the crime call Sutton police on 101, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.