A man stole from the home of a 90-year-old woman after claiming he was investigating complaints from neighbours about rats.

He escaped with a purse, containing cash and a gold ring during the raid, which police described as "concerning".

It is not known how the man gained entry to the property, but he reportedly walked into the living room and began speaking to the pensioner about the 'complaints'.

He claimed to have entered because her front door was open.

Following a short walk around the house, in Seasalter, near Whitstable, the man left.

The victim then realised her purse, containing bank cards and a small amount of cash and a gold ring, were missing.

It happened in Hodgson Road between 1.30pm and 4pm on Friday, sparking a warning from police to ensure residents check the identification of all cold callers.

Detective Sergeant Martin Glynn, of Kent Police, said: "Clearly this is a concerning incident and if anyone has any issues in relation to the identity of callers to their home, they must ask for identification.

"It really doesn’t matter who they say they are, or which organisation they claim to represent.

"No salesman or caller at your door should ever mind doing this.

"If you have further concerns about the validity of the identification, call the company or organisation the persons says they are from.

"Do not let anyone into your home unless you are confident they are who they say they are."

The suspect is described as a white man, aged 18-25, about 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build and with light brown hair.

He was smartly dressed with a brown shirt, tie and trousers.

If anyone has any information, call DS Neil Watford on 01843 222175 quoting reference ZY/14488/15 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.