A "cross-dressing rogue" posed as an elderly woman to steal thousands of pounds from her bank account.

The middle-aged man donned a wig, make-up and a camel coat to pass as his 76-year-old victim in a bank.

He is thought to have withdrawn as much as £11,000 from the woman's account at Royal Bank of Scotland branches in Charing Cross, Glasgow, and in Cleland, North Lanarkshire, before bank staff raised concerns about the "squared-jaw" impersonator.

The money was taken between 11.20am and 12pm last Thursday.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "An extensive inquiry is under way after a cross-dressing rogue targeted an elderly lady.

"The hustle started in January when the elderly female received a phone call from someone telling her to phone the bank.

"As a result of subsequent discussions, the cardholder disclosed her pin number and made arrangements for a courier to collect her card."

The thief then disguised himself as an elderly woman and used the card to withdraw thousands from her account.

Police are examining witness interviews and CCTV footage to try to trace the man.

PC James Ruddell, of Strathclyde Police, added: "The actual bank card has no monetary value. If there is a problem with the card, the bank would ask you to destroy it and a new card and pin would be sent to you.

"No bank staff know your pin and they will never ask for it. No-one else should ever know your pin, not your husband, wife or children."