BURGLARS posing as water board officials have stolen what police describe as a substantial amount of money from a Great Sutton pensioner.

The two thieves struck at about 12.30pm on Friday when the 74-year-old man who lives in Grappenhall Road answered a knock on his door.

They were allowed into his home after telling him they worked for the water board and claimed they needed to check his supply was running clear due to a leak further up the road.

But once inside, one of the two offenders kept him talking in his kitchen while the second thief searched his living room and stole his wallet.

Detective sergeant Sue Parry of Ellesmere Port CID says thieves who prey on the elderly are despicable and is warning other pensioners not to allow anyone into their homes before checking they have proper identification.

She said: 'We are concerned these men will strike again. We have reports they may already have tried talking their way into the homes of other elderly residents. I would stress the importance of making sure anyone who calls at your home alleging to be an official of any of the utility companies has proper identification.

'If they do work for the water board the electricity board or whoever, they certainly won't object to producing the correct ID card. The simple rule is, if in doubt, don't let them in and call the police instead.'

Detective sergeant Parry is now asking anyone who was in the Grappenhall Road area on Friday to come forward and speak to a detective.

She said: 'The man who stayed in the kitchen with this elderly man is described as between 20-25 years old, 5ft 4in-5ft 6in tall, medium build, with short, wavy, mousey coloured hair. He was thin-faced with prominent features, a high forehead and clean shaven. He wore a long-sleeved green top with a logo on the chest and spoke with an Ellesmere Port or Merseyside accent.

'The second offender is described as a white male, 6ft, with short, black, gelled hair and wearing a blue jacket. Anyone who might have seen these men or who knows anything about the burglary can talk to us in complete confidence.'

* Ellesmere Port CID can be contacted on 01244 613 033 or ring Crimestoppers in complete confidence on 0800 555 111.