PENSIONERS have been warned to be on the alert following an attempted distraction burglary.

Two conmen visited the home of an elderly woman on the Swale estate, off Rossmore Road, Ellesmere Port and told her they were from the council.

They claimed to be fixing water pipes in a neighbouring house and needed some paper and a pen in order to leave them a note.

The first offender went with the woman into her kitchen and kept her talking while the second one sneaked into the house unseen.

But the woman became suspicious and disturbed him while he was in her living room.

The men left her house in the direction of Wharfe Lane, heading towards Ross-more Road.

The main offender was white, tall and thin, clean shaven, about 40 years old, wearing a long-sleeved navy blue jacket and dark trousers.

His accomplice was white, 5ft 6ins tall, of stocky build, with a round face, wearing a cream three-quarter-length coat.

Detective Constable Kevin Green, of Ellesmere Port & Neston CID, said: 'I remind all residents, particularly pensioners, to be vigilant and always check who a caller is before opening the door to them. Use your door chain and always ask for ID.

'Genuine callers will always provide a photo ID and won't mind you checking it.

'But never ring a number provided by the caller. Always look up the company they are from in the phone book.

'Remember, you don't have to let anyone into your house if you have any concer ns.'

* DC Green urged anyone who saw these man, or who has been approached by them, to call him on confidence on 01244 615574, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.