AN elderly woman had £700 stolen from her home during a distraction burglary in Worcestershire.

The 90-year-old woman was at home in Bewdley Street, Evesham, when she was visited by a man claiming to be from the water board on Saturday.

The man arrived at the property between 8am and 2pm and told the woman that he had come to check the water.

He told the woman to go upstairs and turn on all the taps while he stayed in the living room.

After about five minutes, the woman returned to the living room, where she was told that everything was fine before the man then left.

Following the man's visit, it was discovered that an envelope containing cash had been stolen from a cupboard and money had been removed from the victim’s purse.

He is described as a thin, tall, white man who was wearing some sort of uniform which had a logo on the left of the chest.

Detective Inspector Richard Rees from Worcester CID said: “Distraction burglaries like these – where offenders target the elderly and deceive them in order to get into their homes – are truly despicable crimes.

“We take them extremely seriously and we will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

Police are also reminding residents in Evesham not to keep large amounts of money in their homes.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 0300 333 3000.