A BRAVE war veteran spoke of his despair after thieves tricked their way into his flat and stole more than £250.Ted Bacon, who is 85, survived horrific treatment and conditions as a prisoner of war in Singapore during the Second World War.

A BRAVE war veteran spoke of his despair after thieves tricked their way into his flat and stole more than £250.

Ted Bacon, who is 85, survived horrific treatment and conditions as a prisoner of war in Singapore during the Second World War.

But he was left cursing "despicable" bogus callers who struck at his Suffolk home - taking his money and savings book.

It was the second time in just four years the veteran had been targeted by thieves.

The conmen struck at around 4.30pm on Monday while Mr Bacon was reading in his flat in Elizabeth Court - a sheltered housing complex in East Street, Sudbury, run by Babergh District Council.

One let himself into the building and began a conversation with his victim, with a second sneaking in while the former soldier was distracted and taking cash and the bank book.

It is thought the thieves sneaked through the complex's front doors, which are operated by an intercom system, when somebody else was leaving or entering the block.

However the door to Mr Bacon's flat had been left unlocked.

"I was sitting reading and all of a sudden I realised there was somebody standing behind me," said Mr Bacon.

"I asked who he was and he said he was from the social services. I asked for a pass or identification and he said he didn't have any, and would go and see the warden.

"Like a fool I just let him walk out - which was when I realised there was somebody else standing near the door. By then, it was just too late."

Mr Bacon estimates the thieves stole around £260, which was inside his wallet, along with his bank book - which he quickly cancelled to prevent further fraud.

Mr Bacon was first targeted in his home around four years ago, when thieves stole money from his flat while he was sleeping.

Anyone with any information about the offence should contact Suffolk police on 01284 774333.