Police have issued a warning after an elderly lady was tricked by bogus callers pretending to be from the water board.

The 82-year-old, of St James' Road in Gravesend, opened her door to one of the men who said he needed to do emergency repairs.

The trickster asked her to fill several containers of water from the sink in her kitchen while two other men entered her living room.

The pensioner asked the men to leave, but she later found that items in her bedroom had been disturbed.

However, it is not yet known if anything was taken.

Sgt Sarah Tyler, of the Gravesend community safety unit, said: "Kent Police takes this type of crime very seriously.

"Law-abiding members of the public should be able to enjoy the comforts of their own home without being targeted by cowardly con artists who prey on the most vulnerable members of society.

"Most people who call at our homes will be genuine but sometimes they turn up unannounced and try to trick their way inside to steal valuables and money.

"Remember that representatives from water, gas and electronic companies rarely visit without appointments and if there is a genuine emergency then police and firefighters are likely to be present."

Sgt Tyler urges anyone with information about the incident to call the appeal line on 01474 366149 quoting reference XY/030840/15. Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.