A thief pretending to be from a water company is believed to have stolen a pensioner's purse.

The victim, a woman in her 90s, allowed the man into her home in the St Dunstan's area of Canterbury on Saturday, January 26 after he claimed he needed to check the hot water.

After he left, she realised her purse was missing.

Police investigating the "distraction burglary" are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in contact.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s of slim build who was wearing a pale blue top.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: "A man knocked on the victim's door, claimed to be from a water company and told her he needed to check the hot water.

"Without waiting to be invited inside he came into the house and told the victim to run the hot tap in the bathroom while he checked the hot water upstairs. When she left the bathroom he had gone.

"We are following a number of lines of enquiry but are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the description or saw the man in the St Dunstan's area that afternoon."

Warning residents to be on their guard against distraction thieves, he continued: "We would always advise people to check the ID of callers before they let them into their homes and to never be afraid to turn people away.

"If you are uncertain, ask them to come back when you have a friend or relative with you. Genuine callers will never mind.

"Ensure rear doors and windows are shut and locked when answering your front door and consider fitting extra security measures such as spy holes, door chains, door locks and intruder alarms."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference number 46/18459/19.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.