Distraction burglars struck twice during an hour spell in Oxford on Saturday.

Three men claiming they were had to deal with a water problem talked their way inside an 83-year-old woman's home off Kiln Road, in Risinghurst, and stole £200.

Police believe the same men then tricked a 75-year-old man into letting them in to his house in Clayton Close, in Rose Hill, by asking him to check his stop cock and stole £300 and a wallet.

Both distraction burglaries happened between 4pm and 5pm on Saturday.

The burglars are all described as white, slim and aged between 17 and 18-years-old. The first was said to be around 5ft 9ins with mousey short straight hair while the second was around 5ft 10ins with dark hair.

The third was described as between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a black and white horizontal striped jumper.

Pc Craig Burchall, of Oxford Burglary Team, said: "I appeal to anyone who was in the Risinghurst or Rose Hill areas of Oxford on Saturday afternoon and saw three men matching these descriptions to contact police immediately.

"It is believed that the men had use of a vehicle. They would have been dropped off around Risinghurst and possibly on the ring road around Rose Hill.

"I would urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives, neighbours or carers to check their home security and alert them to the dangers of opening the door to a stranger.

"There is no reason why a stranger should ever come into your home. All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and also use a password system."

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