An 82-year-old pensioner is heartbroken after two men stole his lead soldier figurine collection he began when he was five years old.

Detectives are hunting two males who conned their way into the man’s house stealing the rare figurines and cash.

On July 5, at about 11.30am two men knocked on the victim’s home in The Avenue, Kew.

Your Local Guardian:

The victim was due to have renovations on his home and thought the conmen were genuine when they said they needed him to go the bank and withdraw cash so they could begin work.

The victim went with one of the males (suspect one) to HSBC on Upper Richmond Road, Sheen while the second male (suspect two) stayed at the flat where he said he would 'take measurements' for the renovations.

The victim handed over the cash and was then asked to wait in a coffee shop near the War Memorial whilst suspect one went to his van.

After waiting two hours the victim took a bus home where he found his collection of rare figurines had been taken from the cabinet.

Detective constable Simon Guy from Richmond CID said: "This is a very unpleasant burglary whereby the suspects have posed as builders and targeted an elderly man.

"The victim started this collection when he was aged five and it is obviously heartbreaking for him to be burgled in this callous way by these two males who talked their way into his home and took advantage.

"It was unfortunate that the victim was intending to have some building work done at his house in the future as if this was not the case, he may have not allowed the suspects access to his address.

Your Local Guardian:

"Each of the lead figurines are about two inches and are made from white metal or lead. They are made by an established company called 'Britain's' so are quite distinctive with most being hand painted and very unique."

Suspect one is a white male, about 30, slim build, 6ft 1" with dark short hair, receding on top and sideburns like “Bradley Wiggins.” He was wearing a grey/white t-shirt, beige knee length shorts, trainers and had a London/Cockney accent.

Suspect two is a white male, about 30, 5ft 9", slim, dark short hair, wearing a t-shirt, jeans with a London/Cockney accent.

Anyone with any information should contact DC Simon Guy at Richmond CID on 020 8247 7237 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.