AN 88-year-old man who had his life-savings stolen by a heartless thief has died.

Police believe the theft of more than £10,000 by a bogus caller posing as a water board official may have contributed to Bill Chase's death.

The crime took place on July 7 when a man called at Mr Chase's home in Melbourne Avenue, Dover. The bogus caller asked him to turn his kitchen taps on and off and then left.

Mr Chase then discovered a safe containing his life savings of more than £10,000 and some other money boxes that were in his wardrobe had been stolen.

Mr Chase had only recently been released from hospital and was readmitted a few days after the ordeal. He was released at the beginning of August, but died on August 7.

Police are continuing their investigations to establish who was responsible for this theft and would like to trace two white men in their late teens or early 20s. One was 5ft 11in and the other was 5ft 6in. Both had short hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01304 240055 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.