THIEVES ransacked a bedroom during a daytime distraction burglary in Kidderminster.

An elderly couple were the victims of the theft after a man called at their Park Street home, claiming there had been a water leak at another house in the street, at about 3pm on Monday.

The man turned on taps, filled a kettle and flushed the toilet. The householders then discovered two other males in the house.

All three walked off into Plimsoll Street, heading towards Wood Street. The couple realised a bedroom had been ransacked and a purse containing cash had been stolen.

The thieves were described as white. The first was in his late 20s, 5ft 4ins, with an Irish accent. He had dark hair, possibly with ginger flecks, and was wearing a black jumper with a small motif and dark, casual trousers.

The second was aged 16 or 17, 5ft 10ins and wearing a dark top. The third was 13 to 14, 4ft 10ins to 5ft 4ins.

Following the incident, police reminded residents to be on their guard when people they did not know called at their homes, keep door chains on and ask to see identification they could check by telephone.

If in doubt, they should not let the callers in.

Anyone with information about the Park Street burglary can call police on 08457 444888.