Two thieves tricked their way into the home of a 77-year-old.

Two men targeted the property in Priory Road at 3.30pm on Tuesday, April 22, telling the woman they were from the water company and needed to check her taps.

She let them in but became suspicious of their activities when she found one of them in a bedroom. She told them to leave.

Police have only released details today.

Dc Jim Holmes, from the Oxford police burglary team, said: "This woman was very lucky not to have had anything stolen by these men and it seems she became suspicious just in time.

"I believe the men are local - they had Oxfordshire accents and when they made off from the property, they left on foot and did not leave in a vehicle.

"Which means you could know them - they could be somebody who drinks at your local or lives in your street.

"Distraction burglars are nasty, callous thieves who think that vulnerable people are fair game and we need to catch them.

"Perhaps these men called at your house in Littlemore or you saw them or in the area; or you might recognise their descriptions - if so, please get in touch.

"I also want to remind people to always check the ID of anyone who cold calls at your house. If you are not 100 per cent certain who they are, don't let them in."

One man was white, about 6ft, in his late 30s, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a denim jacket and jeans.

The other was white, 5ft 8ins, in his 30s, with gelled, light brown, short hair. He was wearing khaki trousers and a sweatshirt.

Witnesses should call police on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.