A devastated grandfather has spoken out about the "evil" thieves who conned their way into his house.

The intruders swindled their way into Mick Trinder's home in Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, on Friday.

Police believe the same thieves were also behind an attempted distraction burglary in Cutteslowe, North Oxford, the same day, when a 73-year-old woman was targeted.

In the Field Avenue incident, the 71-year-old answered the door at about 4.30pm to a man who claimed he had come to check the water pressure.

He turned on taps in the kitchen and bathroom.

Another man is also believed to have entered the house.

The pensioner later discovered £100 had been taken from his wallet.

Mr Trinder said: "You get a sense sometimes that something isn't right, so I thought I had better check my wallet. There was a load of £20 notes there before and they had all gone."

Grandfather-of-five Mr Trinder, who worked for BMW in Cowley before he retired, was devastated by the theft.

He said: "I felt numb when I realised what had happened, and I called my daughter in a real panic.

" It's evil, taking advantage of people like that. £100 is a lot of money for me."

He had taken the money out earlier that day for his weekly shopping, and to pay for gas and electricity.

He was also planning to give treats to his grandchildren.

His daughter, Sonia Denmark, 37, said: "I am absolutely gutted. It makes me worry about him now because he lives on his own.

She said Mr Trinder suffered from mild agoraphobia and panic attacks, and had problems with short term memory loss.

Mrs Denmark said: "He has got to learn not to trust people."

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the thieves.

The man who bluffed his way into Mr Trinder's house was described as white and in his late 20s. He was wearing a long-sleeved blue jacket and jeans.

At 1.45pm on the same day, two men also called at a 73-year-old woman's home in Wolsey Road, Cutteslowe, and said they needed to check her toilet and sink. The men left empty handed after the woman asked to see identification.

The men were described as white, aged between 30 and 35, about 5ft 10ins tall, and stocky. One was wearing a navy blue fleece and the other was wearing beige trousers.

Police believe the two incidents may be linked.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.