An image of a man claiming to be from the gas board and who stole an elderly woman’s handbag has been released by police.

Officers say the man talked his way into an elderly couple’s home in Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Margate, at 6.20pm on Sunday, January 31.

He is described as being in his late 20s to early 30s and was approximately 6ft tall.

He had very pale, drawn skin and a long, thin face with dark wavy hair and stubble.

At the time he was wearing a dark, sandy-coloured jacket with blue jeans and beige boots.

He was last seen heading in the direction of Millmead.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/3418/16.