Police today released an E-fit of a man wanted in connection with a distraction burglary in Oxford.

At about 11.30am last Friday, a man called at the home of a 76-year-old woman in Hurst Rise Road, posing as a door-to-door salesman selling household items.

The woman reluctantly bought some items from the man and agreed to fill a water bottle for him. It was after this that she discovered her handbag had been stolen.

The man is described as white, in his forties, stocky, and approximately 6ft tall. He was wearing a dark-coloured donkey jacket and dark clothes.

Det Con Robert Underhill said: “I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this man in the area last Friday, or perhaps anyone else who he visited on that day.

“I would urge people to be vigilant to this sort of crime and avoid buying things from unsolicited callers who come door-to-door like this.

“I would also remind people to never leave strangers alone at an open door, if you have to leave them then close the door behind you so they cannot enter your home.

“If people are suspicious of people who come calling door-to-door, then I would urge them to contact Thames Valley Police via our 24-hour Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Never think that it’s insignificant or doesn’t matter, because it might turn out to stop a crime from happening.

“If you witness a crime taking place, never hesitate to call 999.”

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Underhill via 0845 8 505 505 or, if you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.