Police have issued an image of a man wanted for a distraction burglary on a 98-year-old woman.

The man, described as stocky, aged between 30 and 40 and about 5ft 7in, knocked on the front door of a house at Mill Stream, in Benson, near Wallingford, shortly after noon last Friday.

He asked for a glass of water and then asked if it could be warmed up.

After he left, the pensioner discovered her fountain pen had been stolen.

Police spokesman Kate Smith said suffering the doorstep burglary was an ordeal for the elderly woman, despite the relatively small value of the item stolen.

Pc Rachel Carter said: "I am appealing for information from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area. This type of burglary can leave the victim distressed and we are keen to catch the offenders. "

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.