THREE masked men tricked their victims into thinking they were police in a 'frightening' distraction burglary.

Police said the trio, all wearing 'face coverings,' entered through the back door of a home in Radley, near Abingdon, on Thursday.

The victims, two men aged 54 and 60, were at home when the burglars burst into the property in St James Road at about 7.55pm.

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The men told them they were police officers and had arrested somebody next door for a suspected robbery.

They then instructed the victims to stay in the room while they searched the rest of the property, specifically asking about any jewellery in the house.

Despite their brazen attempt to steal valuable items, they left empty-handed.

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Investigator Rebekah Kent, based at Abingdon police station, said: "This was a frightening incident for the victims, however fortunately nothing was stolen.

"I would like to reassure the public that officers conducting door-to-door enquiries will never wear face coverings and will always be carrying a form of identification."

She urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting reference 43190348457, make a report online or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.