PENSIONERS in Worcestershire are being warned to be wary of bogus officials after an elderly woman was targeted in Evesham.

The warning comes from Worcester police after a man, purporting to be from the waterboard, stole cash from her handbag in Battleton Road on Thursday afternoon.

The man maintained he was following up on a burst water main down the road. He began to turn taps on in the house and went up and down the stairs.

The victim had left the front door open during this time and police believe a second person could have been involved - entering the house unseen.

A green vehicle with two men inside was also seen at the time of the theft at around 12.30pm.

Police are advising people to always ask to see identification and use a spy-hole or to chain the door to find out who people are before they enter.

"Another way to keep safe is never to keep money in the house," said PC Mike Stephenson. "Put it into a bank or building society and don't keep your cheque book and cheque card together."

The conman is described as white, slimly built, aged 30-plus, 5ft 6in tall, clean shaven with dark, short hair. He was well spoken with no notable accent, but said he was from Worcester.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01905 723888 quoting crime reference c/597283.