A 91-year-old man was robbed by two fraudsters who offered to carry out work at his house.

The pair turned up at the pensioner's house in Carluke around 12.30pm on Wednesday and told him they could carry out a series of repairs to his property.

After the man handed over a four-figure sum of money, the bogus workmen made off.

Police are now appealing for the public's help to find the pair.

The first man is described as white, aged between 50 and 59 around 6ft with a heavy build. He spoke with a Scottish accent.

The second man is also described as white, around 5ft 8in and with a slim build. It is believed that they may have used a small white van.

Detective inspector Kevin Jamieson said: "These people are the scourge of society who prey on the elderly or vulnerable for their own gains.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have seen two men matching these descriptions, the white minivan or who perhaps experienced the men knocking on their own doors, to come forward with any information.

"I understand that victims find it difficult to come forward but these people are very expert conmen who can appear to be genuine tradespeople as they can talk in detail about repairs required to properties.

"I must urge people to be on their guard when answering the door to people purporting to be genuine workmen.

"To prey on vulnerable people and defraud them of significant sums of money is appalling and I will do everything to find those men responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.