Police today released an E-fit of a man wanted in connection with an attempted distraction burglary in Dorchester on Thames.

At about 2.30pm on March 3, a man called at the home of a 76-year-old woman in Tenpenny, claiming that he had to check the electricity and gas after there had been a power surge in the area.

The man told the woman that he would have to turn both the electricity and gas off for 24 ours, but the woman said this was unacceptable.

She then challenged the man and asked to see his ID, but he claimed to have left it in his car. He then made an excuse and left the house.

He was seen meeting with two other men outside the house.

The man is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, 26 to 27 years old and he spoke with an Irish accent.

He was wearing a black woollen hat pulled over his eyebrows, a black long-sleeved top and black jean-style trousers.

Det Con Stephen Knight said: “I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen these men in the neighbourhood, or who has any information about this incident.

“Thankfully in this incident nothing was stolen, as the woman did everything correctly and challenged the man.

“I would urge anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible and help us.”

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Knight 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.