A man in his 90s was targeted by a cold-calling conman who rifled through his bedroom in an apparent search for cash.

The offender knocked at the pensioner’s house in Bramley Avenue, Canterbury, and told him he was carrying out work to the roof of a building next door.

He was let in at about 11am on Tuesday, June 20, and given access to the man’s loft, reappearing shortly after to claim a beam needed replacing at a cost of £300.

The victim said he had no cash so the man left, but it was later discovered he had rummaged through an upstairs bedroom.

The suspect is described as aged 25 to 30, white and of a medium build with brown hair. He was wearing a multi-coloured patterned shirt.

Investigating officer DC Lucy Fisk said: “We would like to hear from anyone who saw a man matching the description or anyone acting suspiciously in the Bramley Avenue area on Tuesday, or who has information about the incident.”

Call police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55511, quoting reference number ZY/27253/17.