Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman aged in her 70s was the victim of a distraction burglary in Barrow.

The incident occurred between 5.30pm and 6pm yesterday, Wednesday 19 August, at a property in Mill Lane.

A man called at the door offering to cut the hedge at the address, which the victim declined. He then asked if he could use the toilet and so the victim allowed him to come into the house.

Once inside he also requested a glass of water and at some point whilst he was inside the property, the victim’s purse was stolen. This contained a number of bank cards, one of which was used at the Hardwick shopping precinct in Bury St Edmunds shortly after this incident, at around 6.15pm.

The suspect is described as white, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, and with dark-coloured scruffy hair. It is believed he may have been travelling in a red Citroen Berlingo.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact West CID at Bury St Edmunds Police Station, quoting reference: 48178/20.