TWO men posing as council workers forced their way in to the house of an elderly woman before searching through her belongings.

The incident happened between 9am and 10am on Thursday morning at a house in Bedwardine Road, St John's, Worcester.

The victim, a 76-year-old disabled woman, spotted a man peering through her kitchen window.

According to West Mercia Police, the man indicated to the victim that he was a council worker and that due to an emergency down the street he needed to come in and turn off her water.

After being sent away because he could offer no identification, the man returned with a second man and forced open the locked back door.

While one of the men searched through the house, the other spoke with the victim, who police said didn't have the strength to move or challenge the males.

They searched the house for around 10 minutes but nothing was taken.

The woman was unhurt.

A police spokesman said: "The men may be posing as officials in the Worcestershire area to commit distraction burglaries.

"The first man is described as being white, around 5ft 5' tall with a dark patchy beard, short dark hair, chubby cheeks and wearing dark trousers and a high viz jacket.

"The second man is also described as being white, above 6ft tall, of slim build with short dark hair, a stubbly beard and also wearing a high viz jacket with dark trousers and a white helmet."

Call police on 101 quoting incident number 0191s081015 with information, or if you believe these men are at your property, call 999.

To report anonymously, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have offered the below tips on dealing with potentially bogus callers:

• Check to see who it is by using the spy hole if you have one, or look through a front window.

•Always put the chain on before you open the door.

•Look at their clothing. Some official callers will have a uniform bearing their organisation's name or symbol.

•If you don't know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this.

•Some public utility services operate a password system. Contact your local branch to find out more.

•If you're still not sure, ask the caller to come back later. You can then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent.

•Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. Beware of one distracting you while the other steals your property.

•Ensure your back door is locked if you are answering the door to someone you don't know.

•Watch out for anyone who says they're in a hurry. Don't let them pressure you. If in doubt, call a neighbour or friend.

•If you're still not happy, phone the police on 999.