A PENSIONER foiled an attempt at a distraction burglary after two men came to her home posing as water board officials.

An 84-year-old woman answered her door at home in Fort Road, Newhaven, to two men claiming to be water board officials who said they needed to test the pressure in her taps.

While one man followed her to her kitchen, the other is believed to have slipped in behind him to gain access to a bedroom.

The woman challenged this and the men left. Nothing appeared to have been stolen.

The first suspect was a white man, mid 30s, 5 ft 8 in, medium build with short fair hair.

He was wearing a round-necked, multi-coloured, long-sleeved jumper or t-shirt and dark trousers.

He had a Southern Irish accent.

The second suspect was also a white man, but no other details are known.

Detective Constable Richie Davidson, of the East Sussex Priority Crime Team said: "It is a timely reminder to householders to be constantly alert and never to let any unannounced strangers into their homes.

"I would also urge people to insist on seeing identification. If in any doubt close the door and phone the company to verify the visit is genuine."

Anyone with information about July 20 incident should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 583 of July 21.