Detectives investigating an attempted distraction burglary have released an e-fit of a suspect.

Officers were called out to Stuart Road, Gillingham, on March 21, after a 95-year-old woman reported a man had tricked his way into her home.

The victim, who has mobility issues, had answered her door to a man at about 10.30am.

He said he thought he had dropped a torch in the woman’s garden and asked if he could come through her house to retrieve it.

Despite reservations, the elderly woman allowed him into the house and led him through to the back garden, when the man asked if he could use her toilet.

She told him she had an outside toilet he could use and the man said it didn't matter, the woman then asked him to leave and started leading him back towards the front door, at which point the man darted off into a side room.

When she asked what he was doing, he claimed he thought it was the way out of the house, despite the fact he could clearly see the front door.

The elderly woman again asked him to leave and he did and she then heard a car drive away.

With the woman’s help, an e-fit has now been compiled of a man police would like to speak to in connection with incident.

He is described as white with olive skin, between 40 and 50 years old and about 6ft, of slim build and dark wispy hair. He was wearing a dark-coloured top and trousers.

DC Ian Mather said: “This man was acting suspiciously and trying to get out of the woman’s sight, and it is perhaps only because she never left him alone that he left without having taken anything.

“I would encourage all residents not to allow anybody into their home they do not know or trust. If the person at the door claims to be from a utility company or official organisation, always ask for identification before allowing them entry.

“If you are suspicious about someone who is trying to get into your home, call Kent Police as soon as possible.”

If you recognise him or can help police with their investigation, call 101, quoting crime reference XY/8736/13, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.