Bogus water workers stole cash after tricking their way into an 85-year-old man's home in west Oxfordshire.

Between 5.45pm and 6pm on Tuesday, two men called at the property of the man in Eynsham Road, Sutton, saying they were from the 'Water Board' and needed to come in and fill some buckets with water.

While they kept the man busy, a third man went into the bedrooms and stole cash and a cheque book.

He was discovered when the elderly man became suspicious and went to check the rest of his house. All three men then left the house.

One man was described as 6ft tall, about 25-years-old, with a stocky build. He was wearing a dirty blue jacket with the hood up.

The second man was described as 6ft 2in tall, thin build and about 30-years-old. He was wearing a dark blue jacket with blue trousers. Both men wore gloves with red backs.

Det Sgt Dick White, from the Witney priority crime team, said: “I would urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.

“I would also like to remind people to never let someone into you home without verifying who they are. Always ask for identification and check that identification with the organisation they claim to be from.

“If you feel vulnerable or unsure in any way, do not let the caller into your home. If they try to intimidate you or threaten you in any way, call the police immediately.”

If you have any information on this incident please contact Det Sgt White via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.